Editor IN THIS ISSUE J. R. Spangler

Associate Editors GENERAL ARTICLES E. Earl Cleveland Andrew C. Fearing Selfishness—Roadblock to E-rangelism George E. Vandeman ..——...._._.______M. E. Rees 3 Managing Editor Ellen G. White's Thanksgiving Birthdays ..__.... —.——.———————._____ Alta Robinson 10 Orley M. Berg Responsibilities of a Conference Committee Copy Editor Member ___...... __ William G. Ambler 14 J. Ina White Dangers of Existentialism (Concluded) _____.. Art Editor ——...... ——...___—— Edward Heppenstall 28 T. K. Martin Adventists and Politics (Concluded) ______....———...... _.______Leif Kr. Tobiassen 32 Contributing and Consulting Editors: Robert H. Pierson, President, General Conference; W. R. Beach, Secretary, General Conference; Theodore EDITORIAL Carcich, General Vice-President, General Con ference; Neal C. Wilson, President, North Amer Scandinavian Evangelistic Councils ican Division; Wilbur Alexander, Andrews Uni versity; R. A. Anderson, Loma Linda, California; ————_.__,—...______.. j. R. Spangler 24 B. L. Archbold, Ministerial Secretary, Inter- American Division; C. D. Brooks, Ministerial Secretary, Columbia Union; George Burnside, EVANGELISM Ministerial Secretary, Australasian Division; W. J. Cannon, Columbia Union College; Our World President Sets the Pace! Harold Coffin, Andrews University; A. E. Cook, —___.__—...... —— H. Edison Nembhard 9 Ministerial Secretary, Trans-Africa Division; F. W. Detamore, Evangelist, Florida Conference; How to Keep Public Evangelism From Being W. Duncan Eva, Ministerial Secretary, Northern European Division; R. H. Ferris, Pastor, Chicago; Offensive ______Gordon L. Henderson 17 Desmond Ford, Avondale College; W. W. Ford- Administrator Finds Joy in Evangelism ...... __ ham, Associate Secretary, Regional Department, General Conference; O. Gmehling, Ministerial —-----__------______Jere Wallack 20 Secretary, Central European Division; M. G. Har- dinge, Loma Linda University; Dunbar Henri, Proclaiming the Message Through Proper News Pastor, Atlanta; J. R. Hoffman, Ministerial paper Advertising __ Reuben A. Hubbard 30 Secretary, Atlantic Union; Siegfried H. Horn, Andrews University; Pierre Lanares, Ministerial Secretary, Southern European Division; Rosalee PASTORAL MINISTRY Haffner Lee, Bible Instructor; H. W. Lowe, Biblical Research, General Conference; W. H. The Minister as a Marriage Counselor (Part I) Mattison, Ministerial Secretary, Southern Asia Division; H. E. Metcalf, Ministerial Secretary, —————______. Harold Shrycck, M.D. 6 Southern Union; K. J. Mittleider, Ministerial The Architect and the Contractor ____ Secretary, North Pacific Union; W. G. C. Murdoch, Andrews University; R. L. Odom, ...... ______John Wesley Fowler 23 Research. General Conference; Enoch Oliveira, Visible Visitation File _____.... Robert Dale 36 Ministerial Secretary, South American Division; G. H. Rainey, Associate Ministerial Secretary, Atlantic Union; U. D. Register, Loma Linda PREACHER©S PROGRESS University; R. M. Ritland, Andrews University; A. E. Schmidt, Assistant Ministerial Secretary, Stones or Men? .______ROn Runyan 21 South American Division; L. A. Senseman, Fuller Memorial Hospital: Harold Shryock, Loma Linda University; Ralph F. Waddell, Medical Secretary, MEDICAL MINISTRY General Conference; Eric Ward, Evangelist, Southeastern California Conference; R. C. Wil Every Preacher a Practitioner of Preventive liams, Ministerial Secretary, Far Eastern Division. Medicine ————._____ R. L. Klingbeil 38 BY HIS SIDE

THE MINISTRY: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED MONTHLY FOR After Sixty-six Years ______F. D. Wells 42 THE MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENT- Ministers' Wives Organize ______Laverne Beeler 43 ISTS BY THE REVIEW AND HERALD PUBLISHING ASSOCIA TION, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20012, U.S.A. $4.50 A YEAR; 40C A COPY. PRICES SLIGHTLY HIGHER IN CANADA. ADD FEEDBACK ....______35 25C FOR YEARLY SUBSCRIPTIONS TO COUNTRIES REQUIRING EXTRA POSTAGE. SECOND-CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT WASH SHOP TALK _____...___...__.__...______._ 41 INGTON, D.C. EDITORIAL OFFICE: 6840 EASTERN AVENUE NW., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20012. BOOKS _..______——————_———_ 44 CHANGE OF ADDRESS: WHEN WRITING US ABOUT YOUR NEWS BRIEFS _..__.___.„...__ __ 45 SUBSCRIPTION OR CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS, PLEASE EN CLOSE THE ADDRESS LABEL FROM YOUR COPY OR FROM THE WRAPPER IN WHICH YOU RECEIVED THE JOURNAL* POINTERS ______——„_..______48 THE MINISTRY SELFISH ROADBLOCK TO EVANGELISM

M. E. REES Stewardship Secretary, North Pacific Union Conference

AM seriously thinking of leaving the "I just thought it might prove interest I ministry. I am a failure." ing," I replied. I turned off my electric razor and He left. I didn't see him until the fol looked in utter disbelief at the pastor who lowing morning, when he knocked, en had come to my motel room this rainy tered, seated himself, and once more stud Monday morning. He wasn't looking at ied the floor. Finally he looked up and me; he was staring at the floor. Then he slowly shaking his head began, "I still continued: "For the past two years I have can't believe it! Sixty-five per cent of my been working with many of the finest peo members have not placed their names on ple in this city. There is a genuine interest a tithe envelope for the past two years! here in our message. I bring them along, Sixty-five per cent!" step by step, until I am positive they will "Could this be the reason for your fail accept baptism and join the church, then ure in bringing these 'influential' folk into for some reason they hold back. They be the church?" I asked him. "Do you re lieve the Sabbath, the soon coming of member the quotation which says: Jesus, tithing, state of the dead—every "The Lord does not now work to bring many thing. But to this time not one of them souls into the truth, because of the church mem has put a foot in the baptismal font. I'm bers who have never been converted and those who sure it must be me. I must be a failure." were once converted but who have backslidden. What influence would these unconverted members This was no Monday morning type of have on new converts?—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 371." dejection. This was genuine, based on a discouragement that had been growing Suicidal Satisfaction for some time. No one can question the fact that few, "Why don't you look at the tithe rec if any, of our churches here in America are ords of your members?" I suggested. experiencing the growth that should be ex There was genuine surprise on his face pected in these critical closing hours just as he asked, "Why?" preceding the second coming of our Lord. NOVEMBER, 1968 Too often if the additions from baptisms fective until we remove the greatest hin and transfers exceed the losses from apos drance to success, which is selfishness. tasy and transfers, we appear to be satis fied. But the day has come when it is Fourfold Roadblock suicidal to be satisfied. Amos cried out, Note carefully how effective a roadblock "Woe to them that are at ease in Zion" is selfishness to evangelism. (Amos 6:1). 1. Selfishness in the church prevents the God's great clock is nearly ready to strike outpouring of the Holy Spirit. "God can the hour, and our task is not finished. Paul not pour out His Spirit when selfishness sounded the keynote in his letter to the and self-indulgence are so manifest."— Romans, "Besides this you know what [a Counsels on Stewardship, p. 52. critical] hour this is, how it is high time The church is powerless without the ef now for you to wake up out of your sleep—. ficacy of the Spirit of God. This gift is ab rouse to reality" (chap. 13:11, Amplified).* solutely essential to soul winning. It gives Indeed, the very urgency of the time de results to efforts and appeals. It opens mands greater vigor, deeper study of the hearts and minds to receive the ravs of

In the August, 1968, Ministry, we reprinted an article from the pen of Ellen G. White titled "Words to Ministers." On page four, a box contained the words, "Is it not a fact that those who possess the most aids, in the way of theological works, are the least prepared to hold forth to others the Word of life?" This statement was not the comment of the editors, but rather was taken from the article itself. (See elipses near bottom of page 3.) We regret that a mistake was made in omitting this statement from the article, which made it appear that the editors were the ones who made this comment. We sincerely regret this error. THE EDITORS

blueprint, more earnest and fervent light. It convinces the soul of the need for prayer, "for the night cometh, when no Christ. It qualifies the laborers by its unc man can work." tion. The church cannot expect to receive an Learning, talent, eloquence, every natural or ac influx of new converts until she is prepared quired endowment, may be possessed; but, without to receive them. God can't take an honest the presence of the Spirit of God, no heart will be soul, seeking for truth, and subject him to touched, no sinner won to Christ.—Testimonies, an association with dishonest professors. vol. 8, p. 21. (Italics supplied.) No amount of education, no advantages, how What is our true condition? ever great, can make one a channel of light without Selfishness, the sin of the world, has become the the cooperation of the Spirit of God.—The Desire prevailing sin of the church.—Ibid., vol. 5, p. 204. of Ages, p. 672. Covetousness, selfishness, love of money, and the love of the world, are all through the ranks of Thus it can be readily seen that any Sabbathkeepers.—Ibid., vol. 1, p. 140. thing that is preventing the outpouring of Is it possible that we are hiding our God's Spirit must be removed before suc heads, as it were, from the alarming statis cessful soul winning can be accomplished. tics that show widespread unfaithfulness in Church Support—Not Government Aid tithing and the lowest mission giving, per tithe dollar, in our history? If this is so, 2. Selfishness is robbing God's cause of then we are practicing the most primitive the means it desperately needs to carry on form of self-deception. For no matter how and complete its task. many approaches or procedures we may de The work of God, which should be going for vise to promote a greater evangelistic ward with tenfold its present strength and effi thrust, none of these will ever prove ef- ciency, is kept back, like a spring season held back THE MINISTRY by the chilling blasts of winter, because some of Suppose Christ should abide in every heart and God's professed people are appropriating to them selfishness in all its forms should be banished from selves the means that should be dedicated to His the church, what would be the result? Harmony, service.—Counsels on Stewardship, p. 54. unity, and brotherly love would be seen as verily as in the church which Christ first established. There are ample means in the hands of Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 206. (Italics supplied.) professing Christians to carry on the work without any embarrassment in any depart When selfishness is banished, then God's ment. But selfishness lies across the road Spirit can be poured out. The church like a great fallen tree. Today the work of filled xvith harmony, unity, and brotherly God needs church support, not govern love will then present the true picture of ment aid! Christianity to the world. Multitudes will 3. Selfishness is preventing God's people then join the ranks of the believers and from developing the characters they must the great plan of redemption will find its have if they are to stand faithful to the end fulfillment. Christ's followers, those who of this present world and inherit the world have "made a covenant with" Him "by to come. No man can enter heaven who sacrifice"; those who have developed char has the least thread of selfishness woven acters like His—completely unselfish—will into his character. God gave man the great be able to look with confidence to the plan of benevolence and systematic stew heavens for their deliverance, for He will ardship in order for him to develop a come quickly. character like that of his Creator—com The fields are white unto the harvest. pletely unselfish. Selfishness is preventing Only selfishness, the roadblock to evangel the people of God from the development ism, stands in the way. of this character. "While physical disease prostrates the body, the disease of selfish ness and covetousness blasts the soul."— Selected Messages, book 2, p. 186. Bishop Sheen Issues Guidelines for Future Church 4. Selfishness and love of the world are Buildings faith destroyers. The accumulation and re Guidelines for church buildings stressing the tention of material wealth tend to replace principle that "worship and mission are insepara faith in God with faith in possessions. It is ble" hnve been issued for the Roman Catholic far easier to trust a god that can be seen diocese of Rochester. In announcing the guide than God who is unseen. Materialism is lines in an official statement, Bishop Fulton J. eating out the vitals of a Christian ex Sheen said: "To seek Christ without the world perience in the lives of many who profess makes an introverted Church, and to seek the to be looking for their Lord's soon return. world without Christ is to make us all illegitimate children, for how can we be brothers unless we It is impossible to be preparing for another have a common Father?" Bishop Sheen's issuance world while at the same time becoming o£ the guidelines on future building came ap engrossed with the present one. One can't proximately a week after a sermon he gave at the develop an unselfish character while living centennial celebration of St. Patrick's church in for self. Prattsburg, New York. At that time he urged that little-used church buildings be employed as "de "Return Unto Me" pots for food and clothing distribution," "cinemas," God's last message to the church prior and "dispensaries." The following are the guide to the first appearing of His Son was, lines for the parishes in the Rochester diocese: "Return unto me and I will return unto "1. The rectory must not exceed in cost that of you" (Mal. 3:7). This is His message to the average house of the parish. the church living just prior to the Second "2. The type of church building to be erected Coming. But like Israel of old, some may will never depend upon the financial ability of any ask, "Wherein shall we return?" The an parish to pay for it. swer is the same, "Will a man rob God?" "3. The church buildings will be erected not just for Sunday-Catholics or as a place of worship gen Then God repeats His offer to covenant erally one day a week, but as a place for service, with those who "return." The great prom mission, and caring for everyone who looks to the ise of material and spiritual blessings is the Church to prolong the role of Christ the Shepherd. reward of anyone who will choose to be "4. The right of the poor to have a decent come a faithful steward. And what will this home enjoys priority over our right to erect a tax- "return" do for the soul-winning program exempt structure which exceeds the bare mini of the church? mum." R. N. s. NOVEMBER, 1968 The Minister as a Marriage Counselor

Part I

HAROLD SHRYOCK, M.D. Lomo Linda, California

OOD morning, Doc. I came to see if you jeopardy in order to save them, if they will, G can help me save my soul." These were from the worse tragedy of the loss of eternal the words of a forty-year-old wife as she life. It can help them to see themselves in a entered my office for the first of a series of new perspective and to recognize how Sa talks about her marriage problems. tan has caused them to become selfish. It Even though blunt, this wife's remark can show them that they have ignored their called attention to an important element opportunities to share their faith with in marriage counseling by a minister or a those who are in need of salvation. Christian physician. Marriage counseling In some cases marriage counseling does offers a prime opportunity for calling at not accomplish the intended result of tention to spiritual needs. Whenever prob bringing harmony into the marriage. The lems develop between a husband and wife, techniques of counseling provide no magic someone's soul is at stake. by which a human being can be made to do Counseling can be the means of awaken what he does not choose to do. But mar ing a husband or wife to the evidences that riage counseling, conducted by a person of they have backslidden. It can cause them to spiritual perspective, can focus on God's realize that the Lord in His mercy has way of permitting adversity in order to permitted their marriage to come into strengthen character. Counseling may save THE MINISTRY a soul even though it may not save a mar that another person overhear the inter riage. view, but at least there should be someone For you, marriage counseling may not be in the adjoining room. an easy undertaking. In some cases it may In some cases husband and wife will seem that your effort has not produced the want to come together for counseling. This good results you had expected. The very simplifies the problem of providing for fact, however, that you had the privilege of propriety when talking to the wife. At the discussing personal problems, spiritual in same time it often introduces another com terests, and eternal welfare with a person plication. When both are together there is at a time when he was attentive because he the danger that the conversation may get was in distress means that you probably ac out of hand as they begin to make per complished more good than you realized. sonal accusations. It is not easy for a per Only eternity will reveal the actual out son to admit that he has been at fault, come. particularly when it is his partner in mar Some details of the counseling interview riage who is telling the story and when it will be considered in Part II of this article. is the minister who is listening. When you We will mention here the attitudes and see that this kind of tension is building policies on your part as a minister-counse up, make the suggestion that they take lor that will contribute to your success and turns waiting in the next room while you will help you to remain courageous in spite talk to them one at a time. of the human frailties of your clients. Don't Be Arbitrary Do Not Overestimate Your Ability The purpose of marriage counseling is There are many personality types, and not to issue mandates, but to help the per no one type lends itself to the successful sons in trouble to evaluate their problem counseling of all persons. The sooner you and thus to clarify the issues. Restrain can recognize that there are some people yourself, then, when you feel that you whom you are not adapted to reach in the would like to state what you think is the context of counseling, the better will be basic problem and give advice on how to your courage. Even counselors of long ex solve it. Your function is not to instruct perience find it advisable to refer certain of arbitrarily, but to guide the client's their clients to other counselors. Do not thoughts. The thoughts he thinks will have hesitate to transfer a client who does not much more influence on his future than respond to your efforts to a fellow minister. the words you may use in advising him. His personality may be better adapted to Encourage him to discover what is really meet the needs of this particular individ wrong and then participate in devising ual. When the counseling involves legal ways to correct it. problems refer the client to a lawyer rather A client is antagonized when the coun than concerning yourself with matters for selor jumps to conclusions. Having already which you are not trained. Similarly, when wrestled with his problem for weeks, and you feel that there is some physical basis months in some cases, it is easy for him to for sexual maladjustment refer the case to interpret the counselor's ready answers as a physician. a reflection on his own intelligence. It is as though the counselor were saying to Protect Your Good Name him, "It is easy to find the trouble. You Counseling makes a person more vul should have been able to work that out nerable to criticism than almost any other without even coming to me for help." Be professional activity. Should you be un patient, therefore, and move along no wise to the extent of counseling a woman faster than you are sure the client can client alone in her own home or at your follow when you are helping him to see office when there is no one present in the cause-and-effect relationships. adjoining room, you are laying yourself open to whatever she may choose to say Don't Expect Open Gratitude about you. This is too great a risk for a The reason persons who have benefited professional person to take. Should you by counseling often appear to be ungrate find that the client insists on "absolute ful is that it is actually painful to them to privacy," this is all the more reason why recall the unpleasant experiences through you should be cautious. It is not necessary which they have passed. For them to ex- NOVEMBER, 1968 7 press gratitude for the help you gave them ply say, "I do not have permission to re in time of need is the equivalent of admit veal the facts." ting that there was a time when their Be careful not to use a case story as an problems were very large. Be content, illustration in a sermon in the same com then, with the assumption that their cir munity in which the parties live. For re cumstances have improved, else they assurance to those who might later seek would have come back for additional you out as a counselor, simply say, "This counseling. incident occurred several years ago in a community far removed from ours." Keep Records When dealing with a husband and wife, make sure that you have the permission For your own protection and for the of the one you are about to quote before value that the records may be to you by you tell the other what the spouse has way of reference material, keep written said. records of the counseling sessions that you Marriage counseling is a rewarding ex have. These should give names, dates, and perience. Even though as already men an outline of circumstances. Also you tioned some cases turn out less favorably should make notation of the type of coun than you had hoped, the privilege of being sel you gave and the client's response to close to those who have personal problems this. Make sure that the records are kept is a worthy part of the work of a minister. safely so that they are not available to any And the satisfaction that comes from the other person. It is better for these records case in which with the Lord's blessing a to be made in your own handwriting or marriage is saved appeases the disappoint by your own use of the typewriter than ment caused by the case in which the re for them to be prepared by a secretary. sponse is unfavorable. Respect All Privileged Information In his counsel to Timothy, the apostle Paul indicated that the work of a minister The greatest handicap that can come to consists of much more than preaching. a marriage counselor is for the opinion to The admonition applies as well to minis develop that he reports the things that ters of the present generation as to Tim have been told to him in confidence. The othy: "Preach the word; be instant in sea only safe course is not to mention the con son, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort tents of your counseling interviews to any with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 one, not even to your wife or to a fellow Tim. 4:2). minister. When questions are asked, sim (To be continued)

INDIVIDUALITY- The common phrase, "building a personality," is a misnomer. Personality is not so much like a structure as like a river—it continually flows, and to be a person is to be engaged in a perpetual process of becoming. —Harry Emerson Fosdick

LIFE- The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another; and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he hoped to make it. —James M. Barrie

MAN-

Man perfected by society is the best of all animals; he is the most terrible of all when he lives without law, and without justice. —Aristotle THE MINISTRY bership of approximately 3,000. Although many outstanding evangelists such as R. Allan Anderson, R. L. Boothby, and R. H. Robertson have preached the message at Our World the North Street Temple, we never saw greater gatherings than during the Pierson evangelistic campaign. All the workers and the fourteen churches in the city cooperated in helping to make President these meetings a success. Each night a dif ferent choir from a church in the city ren dered a message in song. This gave the preacher a great deal of inspiration. A mass choir of 300 voices sang for the weekend services at the National Arena to a capacity Sets the Pace! crowd on Sabbath and Sunday night. This was an unprecedented week of meet ings in attendance as well as in terms of results. We are happy to report that 321 H. EDISON NEMBHARD decisions were made for Christ. A team of Bible instructors are following up the in President, East Jamaica Conference terest and Pastor C. S. Greene continues to follow up the campaign with meetings on Wednesday and Sunday nights. Dr. M. Fowler, director of the Andrews Memorial Hospital, is assisting by giving a health HE East Jamaica Conference, which is a lecture each Wednesday before the sermon. Tpart of the West Indies Union Confer The interest is still good. Three baptisms ence, was privileged to have Robert H. have been arranged. We anticipate baptiz Pierson, our world leader, in its territory ing 100 as a result of this one-week cam for a week of evangelistic meetings held paign. June 23-30. These meetings were specially The offerings for the week amounted to arranged by our division president, C. L. Powers, as a prelude to the quadrennial more than $ 1,200. We thank God for the union session of the West Indies Union and great response and the full cooperation the fourth quadrennial division council, given by all of our workers and laity. In deed Elder Pierson has made history. This which was held in Jamaica for the first time. What a great inspiration it brought to is the first time a president of the General Conference has brought such a dynamic our believers to sit at the feet of our Gen evangelistic thrust to our field. eral Conference president as he proclaimed with great power, conviction, and clarity As a climax to his visit, the leading radio the third angel's message in a relevant set station in Jamaica gave us one hour of radio ting for these times. The theme of the time at a nominal fee to broadcast his campaign was "We Have This Hope!" Sabbath sermon, which was heard by more These meetings were held in the large than 150,000 people all over Jamaica. metropolis of Kingston, Jamaica. Kingston During the visit of Elders Pierson and has a population of more than 500,000 in Powers, courtesy calls were made to the habitants. The campaign began in the spa Governor-General, Sir Clifford Campbell, cious and attractive North Street Temple the city commissioners, and the American and for the grand climax was transferred ambassador in Jamaica. to the National Arena, with a capacity A lasting impression for good has been crowd of more than 7,000 people. made by these meetings. Many backsliders On the opening night approximately have returned to the Lord and we can truly 3,000 members and visitors attended. There say that our world leader, Elder Pierson, were as many in the courtyard of the church has set the pace for a great, sweeping, un as in the inside of the building. The North precedented revival of soul winning to take Street Temple is the largest church in the place in the days ahead. To God be the Inter-American Division. It has a mem- glory! NOVEMBER, 1968 Site* THANKSGIVING BIRTHDAYS

ALTA ROBINSON Member of the Ellen G. White Estate Staff

LLEN HARMON was born on Novem gems, made of flour we brought, without E ber 26, 1827. Her seventeenth birthday, sauce of any variety. For three days we lived a little more than a month past the disap on the bread I baked in the two pans they pointment of 1844, must have been to her a had for baking sweet cakes. The living was day of grief. She had expected to celebrate rather poor. They eat pork grease and this it on the sea of glass, eating of the tree of we could not touch. . . . life and talking with Jesus and angels. In "We had good meetings in Portland, and stead she found herself on earth, perhaps a good hearing—never better anywhere." still enduring the taunts and cruel mock —Letter 25, 1868. ery that so slowly die away. But before that Battle Creek, Michigan, Nov. 27, 1870. year closed, Ellen Harmon had received the "Today I enter upon my forty-fourth accolade of God; she had become His year. ... I resolve to be more humble, messenger. more watchful, more faithful, and reflect Her thirty-sixth birthday coincided with more perfectly the image of my Re President Abraham Lincoln's 1863 procla deemer."—Letter 19, 1870. mation of a yearly Thanksgiving on the last Healdsburg, California, Nov. 27, 1877. Thursday of each November. Eight times "My birthday is past without commemora more during her lifetime this double anni tion. Father and I went to Green Valley versary would happen. To her this was of from Healdsburg, fourteen miles and back. little consequence; every birthday was her The road part of the way was bad. We own personal thanksgiving day. wandered out of the way some. We arrived Ellen Harmon White sometimes recorded at Brother Ross's. They had nothing in the in small, handwritten diaries and in per home to eat. I tended a babe, held it in one sonal letters how she felt and what she did arm and prepared my dinner myself. Made on those days. Some descriptive entries fol a little mush, cooked some eggs and put on low: a few cold gems. This composed my dinner, Richmond, Maine, Dec. 2, 1868. "Your birthday dinner, half a century old! ... It is mother's birthday was spent in traveling not of much consequence in regard to our on foot one mile across a rocky pasture and birth—not half as much as in regard to our then a watery marsh, hopping from stone lives. How do we live? Our daily life will to stone and from knoll to knoll to keep either honor or dishonor the day of our from wetting my feet. We were on our way birth."—Letter 39, 1877. to visit Lou Curds. . . . Our dinner was The following year found the Whites in 10 THE MINISTRY Texas, partly because of Elder White's day and I am glad I was not. ... I thank breakdown in health owing to the stresses you for your much valued present. It was and strains of Battle Creek. Ellen White just as nice as it could be. I shall appre wrote from Dallas: "Another year of my life ciate the gift and be reminded of the giver is in the past. ... I look back upon it as one every time I look at it. ... We had a very of deep experience. . . . Yesterday was my simple Thanksgiving, as all ought to have." birthday. We were in Piano. After two —Letter 23, 1882. o'clock A.M., we rode to Dallas in what is The day following her fifty-seventh birth here called a hack, but is a lumber wagon. day, Mrs. White preached in the Battle We had two mules hitched before it, look Creek Tabernacle. "The thought comes to ing like two father rabbits, and we drove me that we may have a Thanksgiving Jn eighteen miles to Dallas. Stopped at the future without any giving," she said. "It Brother Miller's and warmed, then came may be that the time of trouble will be three miles farther to Sister Coles. So much upon us. But today let us rejoice that we for the anniversary of my fifty-first birth are granted this opportunity of coming day."—Letter 57, 1878. within the courts of the Lord. . . . What After the death of James White in 1881, kind of a Thanksgiving shall we keep—one his widow found it hard to adjust to living to ourselves, bestowing all our benefits without the strong arm that, during the upon ourselves and receiving the atten thirty-five years of their marriage, had lent tions of others, but bringing no thanksgiv strength and support to her in her work for ing offering to God? . . . God. More than a year later she wrote from "Open the door of your hearts and let Healdsburg, California, "I enter today, Him enter, and you will have such a November 26, 1882, upon a new year of Thanksgiving as you never experienced be my life. The past year has been a year of fore."—Review and Herald, Dec. 23, 1884. sorrow, of anguish of soul in consequence Ellen White especially enjoyed her fifty- of my bereavement."—Manuscript 6, 1882. eighth birthday. She was in Europe, riding In acknowledgment of a gift from her on a train bound for Torre Pellice, Italy. son Willie that year, his mother wrote from She wrote that it was a Thursday, Thanks Santa Rosa, California: "I was not where giving Day in America. The day was sunny, any parade could be made over my birth and she was thrilled to be able to view

Mrs. E. G. White taking a ride in a carriage. NOVEMBER, 1968 11 God's handiwork as seen in the beauties of Off to Australia nature as she traveled through the Swiss The following November found Mrs. and Italian mountain ranges. White on board ship en route to Australia. With the passing of the years, her birth A few days before her sixty-fourth birth days seemed to increase in excitement. day, the Alameda docked for a day in Read her description of a day that began Hawaii. The Adventists in Honolulu gave in New York City and ended in Norwich, the visitors a warm welcome. They were Connecticut: "Sixty-three years are in the first taken to the home of Sister Kerr, wife past. This day has been one of close appli of a merchant in the city. Mrs. White de cation of my writing to prepare an article scribed the refreshments they enjoyed for the Week of Prayer. I had just time to there, consisting of fruits known and un pack my satchel after finishing my article." known to her. "But," she wrote, "we dared —Manuscript 48, 1890. not indulge to any great extent, fearing we To reach the dock, she and Miss Sara should have to discharge our cargo in less McEnterfer traveled by streetcar, then by time than it took to store it away!"—Letter elevated railroad across New York City. On 32a, 1891. Anti-seasick pills were unknown Broadway they dodged between teams, in those days! nearly being run over. Then, while trying Word had leaked out of Mrs. White's to board a horsecar they witnessed a near forthcoming birthday, and Mrs. Kerr collision between a heavily loaded wagon pressed many gifts upon her guest, who and the car. Finally, wrote Mrs. White, "I accepted them with thanks, not wanting to saw a place where we could dodge past the hurt her hostess' feelings. team. . . . Once more we were moving The day was spent in sight-seeing and in along. Soon we were obstructed with heav visiting. That evening Mrs. White spoke in ily loaded wagons. As we were near the the YMCA hall. After the meeting the wharf, we decided to leave the car and travelers were escorted to the ship, which walk; it was only a few rods. We were able, would sail alter midnight. There, good-bys after going before teams and behind them were said. A few days later came Thanks and between them, to pass down the gang giving—and Mrs. White's sixty-fourth plank into the boat. Here I am writing, birthday. Not only did she receive gifts sitting in mv berth in my stateroom."— from Mrs. Kerr; she wrote, "The friends at Manuscript 49, 1890. Honolulu presented me with a ten-dollar The weary travelers tried to sleep. But gold piece as a birthday present, and Mr. just as they were settling down someone Kerr, though a nonprofessor, gave me an pounded on the door and asked where they upholstered rocking chair from his parlor were bound. Then, directly beneath their set, . . . because I happened to mention stateroom, deck hands began moving that it was an easy chair. It has been a freight from one place to another as their great comfort to me on the voyage, when superiors shouted commands. This went on sitting on deck."—Ibid. from one to four in the morning. At five the But Ellen W'hite did not merely rock her women were happy to leave the ship. "It way to Australia. "I have written about was bitterly cold, yet beautifully pleasant," one hundred and fifty pages," she reported, the chronicle continues. "but I expected to write as much as three "After riding about one hour we came hundred pages."—Ibid. to Norwich and decided to walk nearly The Australian years flew past, and with one mile to Brother and Sister Greer's. We them the birthdays of God's faithful ser reached the place about six o'clock. It was vant: hardly light. . . . Soon Sister Greer was up Nov. 26, 1892. "Today I am sixty-five and we were made welcome. Thus enrJ°d vears old. I spoke to our people from the my entering of my sixty-fourth year."—Ibid. fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah."—Manu In spite of that exhausting Wednesday, script 38, 1892. the travelers were ready for Thanksgiving. Nov. 26, 1897. "Today I am seventy "We walked out, ,Sara and I, about one vears old. I thank and praise my heavenly mile," the diarv states, "and the air was Father for the clearness of mind and the sharp but bracing. I came to the breakfast peace and grace of Christ I enjoy."—Letter table at nine o'clock. Oh, how hungry I 200, 1897. was! . . . Dinner tvas at three o'clock and Nov. 26, 1899. "Seventy-two years ago I was again hungry for dinner."—Ibid. today my life in this world commenced. I 12 THE MINISTRY am still able to labor, to watch unto prayer, offered to take Mrs. White for a ride. The to speak to hundreds of people for more weather was unpleasant. Some thought she than an hour at a time."—Manuscript 158, should not go. Others thought that one of 1899. the men should harness the horse, Belle. Then, back in the United States: "This But Miss McEnterfer harnessed Belle, and is my seventy-fourth birthday. I thank the the two women rode away in the buggy. Lord for the grace and health He has given Near the bridge in front of Elmshaven the me up to this time."—Manuscript 127, horse stumbled, then fell to her knees. No 1901. one was hurt. Miss McEnterfer was taken On the morning of her seventy-eighth by surprise: "I did not know she ever birthday Mrs. White went out for her usual stumbled, and especially when going so morning ride. When she returned she slow. She had just started of her own ac found the Elmshaven family and relatives count to trot and down she went. 'Mother' who lived nearby, assembled in her honor. didn't seem to be even surprised and said, She wrote: "I had been so busy that I had 'She often stumbles.' " And Crisler closed not thought of its being my birthday, and the incident by reporting, "The Lord I was . . . 'plumb surprised' to find such a surely overruled in this matter, and kept large gathering, and two tables set in our folks quiet and calm." dining room. . . . "Sister Ings sent down a beautiful bou Death at 87 quet from the Sanitarium, and someone On a July day in 1915, four months be else sent flowers from St. Helena. Sister fore her eighty-eighth birthday, Ellen G. King presented me with a small silver- White died, 153 days after the accident plated water pitcher, just such a one as I when she had fallen and become bedfast had been thinking of purchasing."—Letter from a broken hip. "Mother's last words to 321, 1905. me were spoken Sabbath, July 10," wrote At the close of her thank-you speech Mrs. Elder White. "When I visited her Sabbath White said, "I desire everyone to know morning I spoke of the beauty of the day, that I stand on the same platform of truth and then asked if she was suffering much that we have maintained for more than pain. She said, 'No.' After I had prayed half a century. That is the testimony I de with her, I said, 'We can trust everything sire to bear on the day that I am seventy- to Jesus.' Mother said, 'That's it.' These eight years of age."—Manuscript 142, 1905. words were spoken in a faint whisper, and In remembrance of her eighty-second after a few minutes she added, 'I know in birthday God's servant requested that a set whom I have believed.' Later in the same of her books be sent to every Adventist in day she said to the nurse, 'I don't worry.' termediate school. This -was done. ... I visited her often, but she was not able Her 1910 birthday came on a Sabbath. to speak, and after Monday I do not think She wrote, "This gives me a most excellent that she recognized my voice. opportunity to reflect upon the goodness "On Friday ... at twenty minutes to four and mercies of God to spare my life so she breathed her last. ... It was like the many years to engage heartily in the work burning out of a candle, so quiet, and at which He has given me to do."—Manu last the lungs were still." script 60, 1910. Then Elder White concluded, "Our peo ple seem to think that, although mother's Her Last Birthday voice will no longer be heard from the pul Then came the last birthday. Ellen pit, her writings through her books will Harmon White, who had expected to spend continue to be a living message to the sixteen years on this earth, had spent world till the blessed Master appears!"— eighty-seven. It was fitting that this 1914 W. C. White letter to David Lacey, July 20, birthday occur ort Thanksgiving Day. "The 1915. old friends and family folks come in to cheer Sister White on her birthday and on the occasion of another Thanksgiving," wrote Elder Clarence Crisler. After din Once I sought a time and place for solitude and ner "when most of the folks were still at prayer; but now where'er I find Thy face I find a the Thanksgiving tables," Miss McEnter- closet there. fer, companion of more than thirty years, NOVEMBER, 1968 13 RESPONSIBILITIES of a Conference Committee Member

WILLIAM G. AMBLER Pastor, Atlanta, Georgia

[EDITORIAL NOTE: The following message was presented at a meeting of the Georgia-Cumberland Conference Committee. eternity; and I am accountable to God for It is felt that it should receive wider circulation through the the motives that prompt me to action."— pages of THE MINISTRY.] Testimonies, vol. 7, pp. 258, 259. Then are added the words of David in UCCESS in any business endeavor is de Psalm 141:3, 4: "Set a watch, O Lord, be S pendent upon planning and organiza tion. The administering of God's work in fore my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing." the various fields around the world is not to This inspired counsel should characterize be regarded as small business. The pro every motive and action of those called gram of soul winning through the many upon to make decisions in this solemn agencies of service in the Seventh-day Ad- hour of preparation and progress. We are ventist Church calls for dedicated men to be God's men caring for His work with who regard every decision as a challenge to an unfinished work. The responsibilities consecrated hearts andWnds. To show the necessity of this need and the sacredness entrusted to consecrated ministers and lay of this calling,, there is placed before us men are far more involved than a common the first requirement—that of personal ex business venture. When the salvation of amination of self. men's souls weighs upon our hearts and the needs of God's work confront us, the "Before our brethren assemble in coun matter of administering His program be cil or board meetings, each one should pre comes very sacred and serious. sent himself before God, carefully search ing the heart and critically examining the A Motto to Remember motives. Pray that the Lord may reveal self It is encouraging to know that Ellen G. to you so that you may not unwisely criti White penned a motto for all who would cize or condemn propositions."—Ibid,, p. be called to serve as committee members. 257. This should constantly be kept before An Intense Longing for Souls those who have the task of directing the most sacred work entrusted to mortals. After the death of Christ those who were "Let everyone who sits in council and com entrusted with the responsibility of leader mittee meetings write in his heart the ship and those inspired by their zeal were words: I am working for time and for filled with an intense longing to carry for- 14 THE MINISTRY Success in any endeavor, temporal or spiritual, is dependent upon plannning and organization.

ward the work He had begun. Their minds What a prayer that must have been as were energized with the thought that they they lifted their voices to God in simple had a debt to Heaven and were responsi faith. It was like talking with Him face to ble for the success of God's work. Even face. Those men whose hearts were their features expressed a full surrender to charged with Heaven's power found prayer Christ, and heaven's peace filled their as natural as breathing. hearts. "The Spirit animated them and If we are to build confidence in God's spoke through them. The peace of Christ work and know that we are being directed shone from their faces."—The Acts of the from above, we must keep the line open to Apostles, p. 46. the Source of all true guidance. The blessing of Heaven attended their Pastor R. R. Figuhr wrote of this great labors. These were God's men, dedicated need in THE MINISTRY, October, 1957: "No to one task, to reach "every creature under one can make a contribution of any value heaven" with the gospel. Nothing but to the church who is not Spirit-directed. death itself could keep them from fulfilling Talents, experience, enthusiasm, hard their heart's desire. work and even education are valueless un One of the first items of business among less through them all there is the breath of the leadership of the early church was the heaven." appointing of Matthias to the twelve in Deciding for the God of Heaven the absence of Judas. This decision was reached by opening their hearts to God in Every decision will be carefully made prayer and asking for Heaven's guidance. when we remember that we are deciding "And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, for our heavenly Director. If the leaders in which knowest the hearts of all men, shew the cause of truth are without zeal, are in whether of these two thou hast chosen" different and purposeless, it will surely be (Acts 1:24). reflected to the laity. It will result in care- NOVEMBER, 1968 15 lessness and indolence. We must be "sancti dens of every office are borne with success fied channels" of the Holy Spirit if the only with the recognition that every man blessing of Heaven is to rest upon our adds to another man's achievements. Those ministry. The impact of our devotion and who administer God's work will build re sense of urgency will be seen in the lives of ciprocal trust among their fellow workers. those we serve. No masterful spirit will be revealed, but A united, eager constituency catches the the spirit of the Master will always mani spirit of a holy purpose issuing from those fest itself. who set the course of direction and who serve God and Him alone. Standing for Principle We must always remember that when A Spirit of Unity Will Prevail Israel returned to God principle was as A constant reminder of the unity neces sociated with its faithful, godly leaders. At sary for the success of the proclamation of this time, when the hour is late and a spirit the gospel is the heavenly power sent at of urgency is so much needed, strong con Pentecost. They were of "one accord," of secrated men who are positive in their one heart and soul. The final requisite thinking will meet with success in their en came under the Holy Spirit, and they set deavors. A negative attitude breeds dis out to conquer the world for Christ with all trust. To think success is to have success. hope of earthly importance extinguished. This same spirit of oneness should char Standing for Right acterize our meetings relative to the many The leader who will stand for his con areas of business relating to the church. victions in this age, when the spirit of Through the years my confidence in our compromise is so prevalent, is to be ad brethren and the harmony among us has mired. Others may not always agree with strengthened my faith in the Advent Move his views, but he will be honored for his ment. There may be various opinions, but courageous stand. It is far better to be mis the unity of decision is evidence of divine understood than to take no stand at all. guidance. "Many are so fearful of provoking un "One test of Christianity, of the power of friendly criticism or malicious gossip that Christ's grace in the heart, is to be able to they dare not act from principle."—Mes differ with others earnestly but kindly, to sages to Young People, p. 400. contend for principles and not involve men in the contention. Let us always dis A Pledge of Loyalty tinguish between men and principles, and The call to Christian leadership de even if we abhor the principles and feel mands utmost loyalty and integrity. That that we must denounce them, let us love which is regarded as confidential will not the men who hold the principles. In this be made public. Criticism of any nature way only can we win for Christ those with concerning committee decisions will be whom we associate."—F. M. WILCOX, in completely avoided. The casting of hurtful Review and Herald, Jan. 13, 1938. reflections on the ministry and methods of Seeing the Needs of the Whole Field fellow workers will never be done. The love of Christ will control the mind so that The gospel commission to carry the mes there will be no entertainment of the de sage to every corner of the globe is the stroying element of professional jealousy. marching order of the remnant church. When the lay members place their con Fulfilling these responsibilities demands fidence in me, I will consider this as a an honest appraisal of the needs of the sacred trust and not betray it. This loyalty whole field. The blessing of Heaven has will be manifested among our laymen in attended the efforts of God's people be the full support of all board and committee cause they have followed the sacred coun decisions. sel of organization set forth in His Holy Recognizing that I have been entrusted Word. with the principles of truth and conduct Building a Sacred Trust that are to be held high, I will take Christ as my personal friend and constant guide. In this movement to win the world for I will regard and guard this sacred trust, Christ the same spirit of unselfish service which my brethren have placed in me, un must distinguish every worker. The bur- til Christ returns. 16 THE MINISTRY How to Keep

From Being Offensive

GORDON L. HENDERSON Director, field Evangelism The Voice of Prophecy

E ARE instructed by the Word of God Unfortunately, it is not a rare occasion W that we should do everything "decently to see an unorganized evangelistic program, and in order" (1 Cor. 14:40). We are also and I feel that one of the criticisms that told by the servant of the Lord that we are has been leveled against us evangelists— to conduct His work in an "elevated, re that we do not conduct our program with fined, and conscientious manner." dignity and order—is a charge we must con Some time ago I slipped into the rear of sider seriously. Too often the program is an auditorium to observe an evangelistic hurriedly thrown together, apparently service. There was no music while the peo with the feeling that the preliminaries will ple were gathering, but just a hubbub of take only a little time and that the main noise and sounds of talking. It wasn't long and important part of the program is the before a young man arrived and hurriedly sermon itself. This is true, yet I do not be rushed to the front of the auditorium. Pick lieve that such a slipshod performance is in ing up a songbook, he paged through it, accordance with the desires of our God. obviously to make a selection—then Having been in evangelism only a few glanced around the auditorium to find years, I have determined to look in on the someone to play the piano. Spying a pian programs of other evangelists and singing ist, he made quite a few gestures and evangelists to glean from them points finally communicated to her that he would or procedures that I feel are dignified and like her to play the piano. Then leaping in accordance with the wonderful truth we onto the platform, he announced the first are presenting to those not of our church. I song for the song service, and the program share with you here some of these things was under way. The program did not seem that I have observed and that I have tried to be planned. Everything that took place to incorporate into the program with just seemed to "happen." which I am connected. In other evangelistic meetings I have ob served the violinist spend considerable time Crucial Moments twisting the little knobs on the violin and The basic philosophy of beginning the whining the strings with the piano in order evangelistic crusade should be to sell the to tune it while we all sat and waited for program of the evangelistic team to the the performance. This has also happened people of the area. This part of the project with trumpets and other instruments. rests heavily upon the shoulders of the sing- NOVEMBER. 1968 17 ing evangelist, since in most cases he is the tion to stand as we sing the last stanza. At first one to meet these people and the one the close of this, the one appointed to have who organizes the progression of the pro the opening prayer steps immediately to gram to be presented. the microphone without announcement, The opening moments of any evan bows his head, and begins to pray. Immedi gelistic crusade are crucial, for it is here ately following this I am at the micro that the evangelists are judged by those phone to introduce the offering. Our open who are in attendance. If the auditorium is ing prayer includes not only asking for attractively set up, and if lovely music is God's blessing upon the meeting but also reaching to every corner, the attitude of the on the offering that will be given, and the individuals will be respectful and quiet. offering is received without another We are not necessarily interested in mak prayer. While the offering is taken we have ing this a church-oriented type atmosphere, organ music or organ and vibraharp. Fol but it should be an atmosphere of quiet lowing this is our announcement period, ness and restfulness while the people are when we present our gifts of the evening coming in. and announce our future programs. Next In our Voice of Prophecy evangelistic our musical program is announced by crusades we always have the organist play Evangelist H. M. S. Richards, Jr., and we ing at least fifteen minutes before the song move immediately toward the sermon in service is to begin, and sometimes for half the musical program. Following the last an hour. item, Pastor Richards stands and offers a word of prayer preceding his sermon. At Arrest the Attention the end of the sermon there is prayer, an appeal song, and a call for hand raising or To start the program we try to do some standing. Pastor Richards thanks the peo thing that will arrest the attention of the ple for being there, encourages them to people. At seven-thirty sharp the organist, come back again, and I sing a good-night Norm Nelson, makes a series of runs on song. Then I ask the people to remain the organ from the high register to the low, seated for just a moment while those on the and this is a signal that all the lights in the platform go to the rear of the auditorium. auditorium are to be put out. Of course, it The organ and piano will be played softly.. is good if they are on a dimmer switch; but I tell them, and when there is an increase if not, they are put out in an orderly fash in volume, they will know it's time to be ion and with planning. As soon as the lights excused. Those of us on the platform step are out Mr. Nelson introduces the opening down to the side and walk quickly back number on the organ. In the dark my wife through the auditorium and position our slips to the piano, where a microphone is selves at the doors to greet the people as in position, and I step to a microphone on they leave. the opposite side of the stage. As soon as Norm finishes the introduction a spotlight Be Organized comes on me as I sing the first phrase of These are a few suggestions on how we our opening number, "Coming Again," the have incorporated into our program those spotlight on my wife's side flicks on as she features that give it a professional atmos sings, "Coming Again," and then we sing phere. Some will say, "I don't have all these together, "may be morning, may be noon, props and individuals to make my pro may be evening, it may be soon. . . ." This gram professional. I don't have the King's is a very short opener, but it serves to Heralds, Del Delker, an organist like Norm acquaint the people with the fact that the Nelson, or all the spotlights and parapher program has begun in earnest. This is not nalia that should be used." This may be just something to fill time while the true. When many of us started out, we people still visit and talk. The talking has didn't have them either. A program does ceased, and our program is under way. The not need all these things to make it success evangelist takes his place on the platform ful. The important point is that the pro at this time. gram must be planned. This is a most vital From here on we proceed with our song part of making it appear professional. To service for which we use only three songs. rush in at the last minute, tune instru At the end of the first stanza of the third ments, pick out songs, and discuss different song, the organist and pianist modulate matters with the one who is playing the into a higher key, and I ask the congrega- piano, inevitably results in an unprofes- 18 THE MINISTRY sional and undignified program. If you should take ample time beforehand to prac have persons in your church who can per tice with the accompanist, tune their form well at the piano or organ, sit down instruments, and take care of all preliminar with them before you begin your evangelis ies, then be ready to step out onto the plat tic crusade and outline the procedure. They form at the right moment that there may should be on hand in plenty of time each not be any waste of precious minutes in the evening so that every musical number can evangelistic crusade. be rehearsed. Make sure that everyone on In order to make this service as digni the program knows just what is happen fied as possible while you are introducing ing, and in what sequence. the special music, it would be well to have the pianist or organist playing the intro Overemphasis Impossible duction, making it long enough so you can You can, from among your laymembers, present the person who is to perform and organize your own evangelistic company, he or she can proceed to the pulpit and but remember it must be organized, I can be ready to begin to sing or to play the not overemphasize this. Just to call on the instrument. telephone and say, "I wonder if you would play the piano for us during our meetings," Simplified Spotlight is not enough! There must be organization, In regard to spotlights, if one plans to there must be counseling together, a reiter use something of this nature, a spotlight ation of the philosophy of evangelism and can be very easily produced by using a the purpose for which the evangelistic cru thousand-watt projector. Cut a piece of sade is being held, and a dedication of the cardboard the size of a slide for that pro entire evangelistic team to the fulfillment jector, put just a small hole in the middle of God's purpose in that specific area. of the cardboard slide, slip it into the slide Your song leader, whoever he would be, holder, and let the light shine through either from your congregation or a minis that small hole. This will produce a spot ter from the next district, must have an light that will be adequate for most situa integral part in planning this program. And tions. I have used this many times, and it it must be made clear that his portion of has worked very well. the program is not just a time filler but is There are many innovations that an to be planned and organized as well as the imaginative person can use in order to sermon hour. It is his responsibility to make a program satisfactorily professional. make this program a really professional We do not always need to have large and one that will nightly present the message expensive equipment, but we do need to of our church and of our God. have organization and careful planning! All those who are to participate in any The greatest hours of evangelism for given program should be at the auditorium God's people are just ahead of us, and we in plenty of time to have all rehearsing must be prepared to meet the challenge. out of the way before the people come. I It would be a tragedy if we failed God in am usually there to meet them, and I give this mighty hour. Let every worker join them a program outline so they may know hands with the laity to spread the last just where they come in and how the pro warning message quickly in dignity and gram is to proceed. Inform them that they order.

RELAX TO BE CREATIVE-

To be creative, relax and let your mind go to work, suggests Dr. Kenneth H. Gordon, Jr., Temple University psychiatrist, reported in the magazine of the American Medical As sociation. When a person tries to force himself to create, "the result is usually either a copy of something he did before or it reads like an army manual." The mind permitted to work by itself "performs tasks as yet undreamed of by computers. In fact, we have barely scratched the surface of man's abilities, perception, and potential." Ellen G. White agreed when she said, "Those who are engaged in study should have relaxation. The mind must not be constantly confined to close thought."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 652. D. W. MC KAY NOVEMBER, 1968 19 church during June, were well attended, with the attendance growing every night. Administrator Elder Campbell presented the majority of the major doctrines of the church during the first nine nights of a twenty-one-night series concluded by the writer, the local pastor. Seven people were baptized at the conclusion of the meetings, with several Finds more continuing in Bible studies. Inspiration to Pastor As a local pastor I would like to say that working with Elder Campbell was a real inspiration. His interest, enthusiasm, energy, and dedication to "grass roots" de nominational work were very encourag ing. It was thrilling to see that local evan JOY gelism is still primary in Elder Campbell's thinking even though he has been in ad ministrative work for our church since he was twenty-four years of age. He was elected president of the St. Lawrence Con in ference in Quebec, Canada, at that age. Thank God for the evangelistic-minded administrators of our church! Evangelism

JERE WALLAGK Pastor, Colorado Conference

HERE is nothing in denominational Twork that is quite as interesting or satis fying as evangelistic work," stated M. V. Campbell, General Conference vice-presi dent, at the conclusion of a recent evangel istic series he held in Canon City, Colo rado. "One does not realize this until get ting back to it after a few years of other duties. It did me a great deal of good to get back in the harness as an evangelist, even though it was only for ten days. It took quite a while, however, preparing for the meetings, studying and preparing ser mons, and getting my thoughts concen trated on soul winning rather than on Loma Linda University and the other tasks that have been more or less monopo lizing my time and thoughts," he con tinued. Elder M. V. Campbell and Pastor Jere Wallack, The meetings, held in the Adventist lejt, as they plan the day©s visiting schedule. 20 THE MINISTRY STONES

PROGRESS or MEN? RON RUN VAN

T IS not so strange that Satan throws a heart breaking than direct soul winning. I tantrum when souls are wrested from his Of course, nothing is more glorious and grasp and placed on the side of Christ. The rewarding than when a person surrenders devil doesn't try too hard to stop any church all to Christ as the result of Holy Spirit- program as long as it doesn't involve the blessed labors. saving of a soul. In fact, he is quite pleased when the church bogs down with expend Forced Into It iture of money, time, and energy that re I am most thankful for a conference sults in little or no souls brought to Christ. president who virtually forced me into a There is a need of constantly sensing that public effort. I don't say that a public the storm center of conflict between Christ meeting is the only way to win souls, but and Satan is over the salvation of souls. one thing sure, a public meeting has some This is the issue! Everything else is inci thing about it that never lets a preacher dental to that issue! forget what his main task is in life. Never-ending Job "Let not the men that God has called to do gospel work become entangled with The minister who is on the side of Christ business perplexities. Let them keep their faces the never-ending job of reminding souls in the atmosphere most favorable to himself, and acting accordingly, that "in spirituality."—Colporteur Ministry, p. 23. order to be a truly successful minister, I can personally testify that the most favor one must wholly consecrate himself to the able spiritual atmosphere for me is to be work of saving souls" (Testimonies, vol. 4, in a spiritual battle—that of waging war p. 261). against the stronghold of Satan. During a To confront the world with our message campaign of soul winning, my spiritual is a difficult task. The temptation to take temperature is always at its height. My the easy way out has trapped no- small dependence upon God is stronger then than number of preachers. Could it be possible at any other time. When not struggling for that part of our church program today, the salvation of souls, I slip so easily into involving the time and talents of our or an independent state. That old Laodicean dained and licensed ministers, is the result feeling of having "need of nothing" para of yielding to this temptation to escape lyzes me. While I am engaged in soul win from the hard, difficult, emotion-draining ning, the magnetic pull of the world is work of persuading people to accept Christ? greatly reduced. My spiritual, physical, and There simply is nothing harder and more mental capacities are completely occupied NOVEMBER, 1968 21 with the highest, holiest work ever com dispensed with a number of good, but less mitted to man. important, church activities and then sim Back in my younger days, only long-term ply began to carry the message from door campaigns were in vogue. When I say long, to door, day in and day out, week after I mean long. A five- or six-month campaign week, month after month, we would see averaging four nights a week was not un an influx of new people into this move common. From the moment we started to ment that would amaze even the most op prepare for the meeting until the Amen of timistic? No one would have to justify his the last benediction, every hour of con existence or position by grinding out some sciousness carried with it an inescapable new idea that is supposed to finish the burden for souls. It is not only a burden work. We would simply approach people to see souls won, but a constant burden to with the Word of God, begin Bible studies, subject your entire being to God. You real hold meetings, seek every opportunity to ize your total inability to change a heart. preach, not to the Adventists, but to the You know that all your sermons, all your world — in short, "Do the work of an prayers, all your advertising, mean nothing evangelist" (2 Tim. 4:5). If we could and unless God, through His Holy Spirit, works would cut loose from our private studies, in your behalf. A well-oiled mechanical our offices, our church pulpits, our mimeo religious program can be operated quite graph machines, our endless committees, apart from God's power. But the actual and begin talking, preaching, praying, and conversion, not convincing, of a soul, is singing with non-Adventists, we would God's work. If we think that by our own break every statistical record to date in short efforts we can change a sinner's heart, then order. The idea would be to get all of we are attempting to ride a dead horse our ordained and licensed ministers on the into battle. firing line. This would mean following the If a man has never had the experience blueprint. "Often the laborers who might of being totally involved in a soul-winning be a power for good in public meetings, program, he will never appreciate why most are engaged in other work that allows them active pastor-evangelists and full-time evan no time for active ministry among the peo gelists take a rather dim view of many of ple. For the conduct of affairs at the vari our church programs that are not directly ous centers of our work, those in respon related to winning men for heaven. sibility must endeavor, as far as possible, to find consecrated men who have been Fig-Leaf Excuses trained in business lines. There is constant When my president set the time, budget, necessity for guarding against the tendency and place for my first solo flight into pub to tie up at these centers of influence men lic soul winning, I tried everything possible who could do a larger and more important to change his mind. Like poor Adam and work on the public platform, in presenting Eve, I grabbed for every fig-leaf excuse to before unbelievers the truths of God's justify my attitude. Oh, how busy I was Word."—Evangelism, pp. 22, 23. with church programs. I was in the process of developing a correspondence school that Signs Screaming at Us would sweep hundreds into the baptismal The signs of Christ's soon coming are tank—so I thought! But nothing could screaming at us! It is no longer a question budge that obstinate executive. The die of faith to believe the end is near. Yet, in was cast. The public meetings were a suc the midst of this awful crisis, is the church cess, thanks to the Lord's help. J. L. Shuler awake to her twofold responsibility: first, doesn't know it, but his mimeographed to get ready to meet the Lord; second, to evangelistic sermons were as "apples of share with the world the good news of His gold in pictures of silver." I have often coming. The world is collapsing about us. wondered how many other men could make How can we hold our peace? How can we the same or similar confession. relax and let months and even years go by How we need soul winners today! If Ellen without any effort to warn the towns and G. White were alive today, what would she cities where we are? Emergency measures say if she saw the world filled with huge need to be taken to shout our message fortresslike cities and so little being done from the housetops. Unprecedented ex to reach the masses within their sprawling penditures ought to be made in the area borders? Could it be possible that if we of spreading the message directly! Never 22 THE MINISTRY has the world needed more what this church has to offer. We have been told repeatedly, "Human plans for the purification and up The ARCHITECT lifting of individuals or of society will fail of producing peace, because they do not reach the heart."—The Desire of Ages, p. 305. and the There is only one way to reach the heart permanently, and that way is through the One who said, "I am the way, the truth, CONTRACTOR and the life" (John 14:6). The church is in desperate need of people—young peo JOHN WESLEY FOWLER ple, old people—who will carry this mes Pastor, Georgia-Cumberland Conference sage to the masses. As I witness youth in all countries who are promoting their philos HE church is designed by an architect ophies, their ideologies, it makes me covet T and built by a contractor. The architect an exhibition of the same kind of zeal and has the brain and the contractor the build enthusiasm in our church. ing skills. We could well classify many min Watch youth witness for their beliefs in isters under these two headings. frantic rallies against this or that. Watch First there is the minister who is the them burn their draft cards. Watch them designer. He is a man of thought rather taunt government authority. Watch them than action. He loves to study, to preach, wear long hair, odd-looking clothes, and and to write. Yet he does very little to exe go barefooted. They are not ashamed. cute the plans and ideas about which he They have no fear of what people may say thinks and writes and preaches. This type of or think about them. How I covet their minister confines his work primarily to the zeal, their forthrightness, even though I pulpit when a large and indispensable cannot agree with their philosophies. work for souls begins affer the sermon has been preached. He is like a well-equipped Must Stones Cry Out? and thoroughly disciplined soldier who Must tongues of us ordained and licensed will not get into the fray of the battle; ministers incessantly spew out mere chit therefore, he accomplishes very little. chat of cars and cameras, gossip and golf, Then there is the preacher who is not politics and play, criticism and clothes, bar inclined at all along the lines of designing^ gains and bills, finances and funds? He studies very little for himself. He con The world's greatest triumphal entry was cerns himself with the mechanics of church the Saviour's ride into Jerusalem. The in organization rather than the spiritual force spiration of the hour was dramatic. Few behind it. He is more concerned with pro refused to join the glad procession. Cleansed moting than with preaching. This type of lepers, healed invalids, forgiven sinners, preacher is satisfied to preach other men's were foremost in announcing Christ as sermons, to think other men's thoughts, king. The parade and adulation was so and to follow the designs that other men great, the jealous priests cried out, "Be direct. His thoughts have not been disci hold, the world is gone after him" (John plined to know the mind and heart of God. 12:19). They were so upset over the suc Therefore, his efforts bring forth little spiritual growth. cess of Christ's short evangelistic campaign that thev urged Him to rebuke and shut However, not all ministers fit into the above classifications. We can be thankful the mouths of His disciples. The Lord for the minister who is a combination of replied, "If these should hold their peace, the architect and the building contractor. the stones would immediately cry out" He is a man following the example of the (Luke 19:40). Lord, who revealed thought and action. Today the command of the church is, He is one whose thoughts are directed by "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, none other than the great "I AM" and O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King whose soul-winning activity is motivated cometh unto thee" (Zech. 9:9). by a God-given understanding of the eter Must our Lord use stones intead of men nal verities that face the multitudes in this to declare this glorious theme? challenging hour. NOVEMBER, 1968 23 EDITORIAL

PIECE of Eden planted on a Danish A fjord was graced by the presence of 370 Scandinavian Adventist workers, wives, and children. At our Vejlefjord Danish Junior College, the ministers of the West Nordic Union and Swedish Union met for a six-day evangelistic council. Although these two unions had united in workers' meetings on several occasions before, this was the first time in history they had united as families.

The wot SCA

The combined school and youth camp facil ities were ideal for such a large gathering. The early August weather blessed us with continuous sunshine. Symbolic of the soul- winning theme of the council were the school's ripening wheat fields sprawled over the gently rolling hills. The wheat's heavy, golden heads begged to be garnered in. What a picture of the thousands of sin cere souls scattered from above the Arctic Circle to Germany's border who wait for the Holy Spirit to send the reapers. Yet, there is a more challenging picture found in this same area. It is a picture of the Scandinavian first timers on conducting large city more than 16 million other souls who need efforts. Top 1. to r.: B. Fernstad, R. Engdahl, K. to have the opportunity of hearing the Ad Pedersen, R. Kvinge. Bottom I. to r.: P. T. Pohjola ventist message. Scandinavia is strongly held and G. Berglund. in the arms of Lutheranism, the state 24 THE MINISTRY rkers and their families who attended the Evangelistic Council. WDINA VIAN stic Councils (Part 1) church, a tact that cannot halt the spread of God's last-day message if our church makes determined, well-laid plans for evan gelism. And this is exactly what our leaders are in the process of doing. Perhaps the most encouraging sign of progress was this meeting with a group of men who were planning to step out and hold for the first time, major public evan gelistic meetings. Formerly these men of experience had been conducting campaigns only in their local churches, but their faith had been enlarged to the point where they were entering into large-scale public work. John Coltheart, division Ministerial As sociation secretary, had recently conducted a most successful campaign in Sweden's - S.; Jens Madsen, pres., W. Nordic Union; capital, Stockholm. This meeting proved Odd Jordal, pres., Swedish Union; J. F. Coltheart.

NOVEMBER, 1968 25 Eight of the Scandinavian Bible instructors. Front row 1. to r.: Bertha Israelsson, Elise Naglestad, and Ida Osier. Standing I. to r.: In- geborg Stagling, Eva Marsi, Maja Borgen, Senja Pii- lola, and Solbritt Ahljors,

that it was possible for Adventists to get for distribution among all the ministers a hearing. Many of our younger men had in both the Swedish and the West ^Nordic found additional courage to believe that unions. We salute this union for taking new evangelistic methods, plus hard work, steps to put more men in the field. This would prove effective. has been accomplished by combining two of the three Swedish conferences into one. Leadership With Vision It is believed this move will provide more W. Duncan Eva, division president, has men, and money for direct soul-winning had a dream that is finally turning into activities. We pray God's blessing upon reality. A sense of the need of reviving this venture. public evangelism, especially in the larger cities, has led him to recommend John F. Coordinated Evangelism. Coltheart to the division committee as the The evangelistic activities of some de new Ministerial Association secretary. Pas partmental men in Scandinavia were most tor Coltheart's main responsibilities are the heartening. Each man carries several de fostering and training of men for public partments but he still finds time for en evangelism throughout the Northern Euro gaging in public meetings. pean Division. We also salute the women Bible instruc Jens Madsen, West Nordic Union presi tors in these two unions. These faithful dent, has lined up Pastor Coltheart with a workers are instrumental in bringing manv team of men to conduct a major campaign souls into the church. Our church in all in Bergen, Norway, this fall. Kaj Pedersen, countries is in desperate need of taking of Denmark, is in the midst of the largest definite steps that will encourage conse public meeting ever to be held in the fa crated young women to dedicate their tal mous capital of Copenhagen. We salute ents to the work of soul winning. these men for their vision and energy in Time was spent discussing a coordinated laying big plans for the public presentation evangelistic program. If a plan like this of our message. They need our prayers, not is religiously followed, it is our conviction our criticisms. It is our conviction that that in a short while these two unions will Pastor Madsen, along with his local presi double their 1967 baptismal record of 396. dents, is going to place not ]ust more em Would doubling this number be too much phasis, but the greatest emphasis Scandi to expect from a total membership of more navia has ever witnessed, on evangelism. than 13,000 led by a force of ordained and We believe the next General Conference licensed ministers, credentialed and li session, if there is one, will prove the wis censed Bible instructors, totaling 123, to dom of this emphasis. say nothing of literature evangelists, insti The Swedish Union president, Odd Jor- tutional workers, and others? dal, has his feet on the ground and his head in evangelism. During the Stockholm Saunaland campaign he made it his personal business Our next stop was Saunaland. Finland, to copy all of Pastor Coltheart's material noted for its sauna baths, was another de- 26 THE MINISTRY light to the eye. God's love revealed in associated from Sibelius and saunas. Try nature couldn't be more impressive than to imagine yourself sitting in a wood-pan it is in Finland. The warmth of its saunas eled room heated by a stove containing a was matched by the fellowship of its peo core of fiery stones. Watch the temperature ple. The Kallionime youth camp near soar to over 200° F. Beat your body with Jyvaskyla, on one of Finland's more than a clump of birch switches. Then, when sixty thousand lakes, was a fairyland of you feel as if your skin has reached the beauty. Next to tiny Iceland, Finland has boiling point, you dash out to the freezing- more Adventists per capita than any other cold lake and plunge in. Repeat this process field in the Northern European Division. about four times, and you find your mental The union president, W. E. Aittala, is lay and physical capacities thoroughly subdued. ing strong plans to support Pastor Coltheart We took these baths just" before retiring. with both men and means in the forthcom To take one before preaching would render ing city-wide campaign in Helsinki. our ministry quite ineffective! If our nerv Finland's rapid cultural and economic ous world would only use saunas instead advance has made public evangelism much of tranquilizers, what a blessing it would more difficult than in the past. Today new be! As for us, we are sold on saunas. We methods, new approaches, as counseled by couldn't recommend them more highly. the Spirit of Prophecy, must be used if the This report would not be complete with 1967 baptismal record of 190 is to be out mentioning a bit about our traveling greatly surpassed. We believe this will be companion, John Coltheart. He eats, sleeps, done. and drinks evangelism! His heart must look One impression Pastor Coltheart and I like an evangelistic handbill. At places received was of the fervor exhibited by our where we stayed together in the same room, Finnish workers. More earnest prayers and we wondered at times if we would get any testimonies could not be heard anywhere. sleep. Our numerous walks through hill Of course, our famous lady preachers are and dale were laced with ideas, suggestions, a wonder to the Advent world. Elsa Luuk- and discussions centering on the business kanen, dean of women preachers, made a of soul winning. John has a knack for slant deep impression on our church members ing everything toward soul winning. Little in America several years ago. She, alone; wonder he has made evangelism a real with other brave Finnish women, is still science. His scrupulous attention to even publicly proclaiming this truth. In short, the smallest details connected with a cam our entire working force in Finland, with paign is an indication why the Lord has renewed dedication, is determined to put blessed his efforts. His good wife, Raye, direct soul winning at the top of their stands beside him, laboring untiringly for activities. the success of every campaign. In the next issue, we will conclude our Thoroughly Subdued report with an account of our work in What would a trip to Finland be with Iceland, England, and Poland. out trying a sauna? Finland cannot be dis j. R. s.

Finland©s working force is dedicated to the task of evangelizing the people of their lovely country.

NOVEMBER, 1968 27 DANGERS OF EXISTENTIALISM

(Concluded)

EDWARD HEPPENSTALL

Professor, Loma Linda University

XISTENTIALISM'S dependence upon, If truth cannot be understood without E and appeal to, the subjective repudiates faith, all discussion with unbelievers would the authority of any body of beliefs, or the be impossible. Truth is truth for the be fixity of the eternal truths of Scripture. It liever because it is knowable and valid for is a revolt against fixed systems and doc all men irrespective of personal faith. trines on the basis that such a set formula For existentialism it matters little what tends to separate thought from life. Abso a man believes, so long as he believes it lutes, universals, are simply verbal expres with passionate involvement. In the light sions, and do not possess actual reality. of the sinfulness of man, extended to the Only the existential word is real and rele whole of man's being, personal decision vant. The word of truth is always contem needs some moral and spiritual context, poraneous. It has never been given with some authoritative norm, some guiding finality for all men. principle to test and try every claim to If Christianity were a doctrine, the relationship have experienced truth. How is one to dis to it would not be one of faith, for only an intel tinguish between "I choose" and "I feel" lectual type of relationship can correspond to a since truth is subjectivity? In shifting the doctrine. . . . The realm of faith is thus not a class emphasis from the objective truth to the for numskulls in the sphere of the intellectual, or individual's inwardness, who or what is an asylum for the feebleminded. Faith constitutes a going to correct any deviation from truth sphere all by itself, and every misunderstanding of or save from self-deception? Christianity at once may be recognized by transform ing it into a doctrine, transferring it to the sphere Immediacy of the intellectual.1 Existentialism involves a return to im If I am capable of grasping God objectively, I do mediacy with God in terms of an intensity not believe, but precisely because I cannot do this of feeling, passion, and often ecstasy. I must believe. If I wish to preserve myself in faith I must constantly be intent upon holding fast the ob These emotional involvements are claimed jective uncertainty, so as to remain out upon the to have significance for man's relationship deep over seventy thousand fathoms of water, still with God, bringing man into the very pres preserving my faith.2 ence of the divine. This achievement of a religious faith is by way of ontology (be In existentialism, faith and doubt be ing), which affirms that man possesses long together. In Scripture faith depends deep within his being the capacity for im upon the certainty of what one believes. mediate access to God and religious real The principles of truth in Scripture are ity, an inner awareness whereby man can certain for all men, believers and unbe know God directly. Immediacy magnifies lievers. If they are not, then how can one the miracle of some immediate encounter communicate with an unbeliever at all? with God. 28 THE MINISTRY Martin Buber declares: mony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.6 What is the eternal, primal phenomenon, present here and now, of that which we term revelation? It In rejecting the revealed truths of Scrip is the phenomenon that a man does not pass, from the moment of the supreme meeting, the same being ture and the objective nature of revelation, as he entered into it. ... At times it is like a existentialism deprives man of any crite light breath, at times like a wrestling bout, but al rion whatever to distinguish between truth ways, it happens. . . . Man receives, and he receives and error, between the Holy Spirit and a not a specific "content" but a Presence, a Presence false spirit. If Satan confronts man as an as power.3 angel of light in some form of immediacy, how would man be able to distinguish be Emil Brunner asserts: tween the voice of God and the voice of the Revelation, as the Christian faith understands it, devil? If Christ is any judge at this point, is indeed, by its very nature, something that lies His appeal to Scripture, "It is written," beyond all rational arguments . . . which can be in exposing the devil himself, still holds attained only through divine self-communication.4 true for Christians in every age. Any reli We know God only through personal confronta gious philosophy that conceives of man's tion, no longer identified with concepts of any relationship with God above and outside kind. "Truth is encounter." 5 the sphere of conceptual revelation in Scrip ture lays men wide open to the deceptions The problem raised by existentialism is of mysticism, sentimentalism, spiritualism, not an easy one. The Bible speaks of the and every form of questionable supernat- inner witness of the Holy Spirit as an es uralism. Instead of recovering the rele sential factor in Christian experience. The vance of truth, it involves the surrender of chief concern of the church, however, is the eternal truth of the Word of God. Exis for the genuineness of fellowship with tentialism is the rallying ground for the God. Why should the church oppose the frowing trend of our day toward a pro- claim to immediacy if it leads to an en :ssed supernaturalism that could easily counter with God? give up the Spirit's witness to the tru.th of Since encounter with the supernatural Scripture for extremes of emotional and is the claim common to all religions, in psychological fantasy. cluding those which are non-Christian, Traditional Christianity has always in how shall man determine what is true and sisted upon the personal and intimate na what is false? ture of God's relationship to man. But this Existentialism does not relate itself to relationship is not born of uncertainty the categories of the infallible Word of about the truth of Scripture. All the "pas God. It therefore sets forth a view of man's sionate inwardness" of man's initiative relationship to God far different than that alone cannot attain to the God who speaks revealed in Scripture. The God of the to man through His Word. Bible is the speaking God. Communion Any claim to immediacy apart from the with God is possible only between persons fixed word of truth in Scripture easily be as rational beings. Once it is insisted ac comes deceptive, unrelated to the reality of cording to the Bible that human reason truth at all. If there is no fixed truth in must think harmoniously with the revealed Scripture, what guarantee can men have truth of Scripture, the necessity for a given that the immediacy they claim to experi objective truth becomes obvious. God con ence corresponds to the reality of truth it fronts us, not in ecstasy or emotional pas- self? By what standard are men to test and sionateness, not only as subject, but as ob correct this "passionate inwardness"? How ject in terms of the revealed will and are men to know that these involvements Word of God. Any claim to fellowship constitute the truth? with God that dispenses with the rational category of fixed truth in the Word of Obviously, existentialism is only stand God is open to the charge of demonic ard for testing its "passionate inwardness" confrontation. as its own passionate commitment. But since sinful men are prone to pervert the And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them truth, this immediacy can only leave man that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that in a state of utter uncertainty. Unless man peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek has direct access to truth normatively given unto their God? . . . To the law and to the testi- by God by which men may test and correct NOVEMBER, 1968 29 their own fallible feelings they are left to their own devisings. When existentialism asserts that the only certainty man has is Proclaiming his own passionate involvements, it exposes him to a thousand and one false claims to know God in some other way than that re the Message vealed in Scripture. The very nature of sinful man involves restrictions and limitations to the nature of divine-human communication. One of the chief concerns of the Christian church Through must be for the genuineness of commun ion with God, because of the possibility of a counterfeit at the very point where truth Proper and trustworthiness are so essential. The church must not countenance any immedi acy that cannot stand the test of the Word of God. The Biblical communion with Newspaper God brings the mind and life into harmony with the given truth of Scripture. Here man gains his true being and the purpose of God's revelation is realized. Here exist Advertising eternal categories that need no demythol- ogizing. These categories belong to men in every age. In Scripture, when God condescends to draw near to man through the Spirit, the REUBEN A. HUBBARD prophet, or the apostle, the mind's grasp Pastor-Evangelist, Idaho Conference of rational knowledge given by God is both heightened and clarified. Everywhere the Spirit confirms the Word, and the Word in sists that the God whom man claims to en counter be the God of Scripture. Existentialism rejects the a priori knowl E MUST take every justifiable means of edge of God in Scripture in favor of an Wbringing the light before the people. Let inward immediacy. In so doing, it is in the press be utilized, and let every advertis grave danger of becoming the victim of ing agency be employed that will call at other supernatural powers that fight against tention to the work. This should not be God. regarded as nonessential."—Evangelism, Men come to a true relationship with p. 130. God within a conceptual frame of refer We preach to only a minimal audience in ence by the inspired Word of God. God our most successful evangelistic campaigns. comes to man in His Word through the Many more people read our advertising Holy Spirit. The rational categories of than attend our meetings. What impression truth are not belittled. Rather is the mind does our advertising make upon the public? exercised so that, by means of a trustworthy What message is proclaimed through our knowledge of God, man can choose truth advertising? intelligently and become involved to his "The character and importance of our ultimate salvation. work are judged by the efforts made to bring it before the public."—Ibid., p. 128. Our REFERENCES advertising must proclaim a positive mes sage. "God Is Not Dead!" "Jesus Will Come 1 Kierkegaard, Concluding Unscientific Postscript, book 2, part 2, chapter 3, "The Subjective Thinker." in Our Day!" "The Seventh Day Is the 2 ——————, op. cit., "Truth Is Subjectivity." 3 Martin Buber, I And Thou. (Transited by Ronald Grcgor Sabbath of the Lord Our God!" Smith, Edinburgh, 1937.) 4 Emil Brunner, Revelation and Reason (Philadelphia: West Reaching More People minster Press. 1946). p. 206. 5 ——————, The Divine-Human Encounter (London: S.C.M. Pre's. 1944). prj. 46 47. Newspaper advertising may not be very «Isa. 8:19, 20. effective in bringing out large numbers of 30 THE MINISTRY people to our meetings, but it is effective in A Positive Message reaching the masses with our message. And we must begin making greater use of the An ad should state concisely and clearly mass media if we are to fulfill the gospel one cardinal doctrine of the church. Here is commission. one example: "Seventh-day Adventists be At a recent evangelistic council some lieve deeply in the personal, visible return evangelists revealed that they had ceased of Jesus Christ in our day. This 'blessed using newspaper ads because they consid hope' has inspired a missionary program ered such advertising a waste of money. around the world. Hear Reuben A. Hub- What we desperately need to do is re- bard, lecturer, author, educator, artist, dis examine our newspaper advertising. If it is cuss 'Spotlight of Prophecy—What Is designed merely to draw people out to an Coming?' Saturday night at 7:20 at the evangelistic meeting, then perhaps it is Seventh-day Adventist church. Forty-nine ineffective. But if it is designed to proclaim signs of Christ's soon return." a message of hope to a dying world, then The above ad states our belief positively, who can measure its worth? simply, and completely, yet it still appeals I always budget SI00 for newspaper ad to the individual to attend the lecture and vertising in every effort. I feel that I'll reach hear more. I include the following sentence more people with a few newspaper ads than in my ads also: "For a free copy of this I'll ever touch with my public presentations lecture write, P.O. Box ___„., (City)." Nearly from the pulpit. For every person who at every ad brings one or two requests from tends the lecture a hundred will read the people who never attend a single meeting. ad. We need to secure free newspaper space, So writing newspaper advertising takes and I generally manage to get my share. But on real significance in my evangelistic out I think we also should use paid newspaper look. Every ad must become an effective ads to reach more people with the message agent for placing before the world the teach of a crucified, risen, and soon-coining ings and beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists. Saviour.

One of Hubbard's newspaper ads.

The Seventh Day Adventist Church proudly in vites you to hear Reuben A. Hubbard

In a special series combining health education with the new "BIBLE IN THE HAND" method of Bible education. YOU ARE INVITED Living Faith Lectures bringing you a Faith to Live By!

*FREE Bibles 'Illustrated Health 1 Jt7:7o"p.MrEvery NighF Feature Nightly | Beginning Saturday, September 231 *FREE Food Samples i 'color Motion pictures Seventh-Day Adventist Church *AD^nyf© £kli9ht | 253 Valleyview Drive | * Nursery for Small I (for FREE transportation call 233-0644) | Children " ™" ~™~~ ~~ ~~ —— — — 1—1 — — —

NOVEMBER, 1968 31 ADVENTISTS AND POLITICS

(Concluded)

LEI F KR. TO BI ASS E N Professor of History and Political Science Andrews University

[A compilation and analysis of Ellen G. White's statements his opinions on political questions, should be con concerning Adventist attitudes to public, political, and civic affairs.—ED.] verted by a belief in the truth, or give up his work." —Ibid., pp. 392, 393. "God calls upon the teachers Adventists should not be guided by prejudice in in our schools not to become interested in the study public affairs: "Those who teach the Bible in our of political questions."—Fundamentals of Educa churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite tion, p. 484. (Written 1899.) in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures."—Gospel Workers, The correct application of these and p. 391. similar statements hinges on the accurate Adventists, if voting, must vote intelligently: "We meaning of the terms political and politics. cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we Webster's New International Dictionary do not know whom we are voting for." "It is a mis (Second ed.) defines politics and political take for you to link your interests with any political in the following two ways: Politics: "The party, to cast your vote with them or for them." science and art of government." Political: —Ibid., pp. 391, 393. "Of or pertaining to polity, or politics, or The Adventist, if voting, must remain the conduct of government. ... Of or per free and independent. He should not vote taining to those who make a business . . . the "party ticket" without analyzing the of politics, or politicians in their partisan individual candidates and issues. The atti activities; as, he is actuated by merely po tude "right or wrong, my party" is foreign litical motives." The Encyclopedia of Social to the intelligent Adventist. Sciences (vol. 6, p. 225) states concerning the import of "politics" and political goals, Adventists, if voting, cannot participate in under "Politics frequently has unpleasant connota handed political practices: "We cannot with safety tions. . . . The use of the term in the bad take part in any political scheme."—Ibid., p. 391. sense . . . implies a milieu hospitable to Adventists, if voting, must not link their church scheming and manipulations." with any political party: "God employs the strongest In which of the two senses did Ellen G. figures to show that there should be no union between worldly parties and those who are seeking White use the terms politics and political? the righteousness of Christ."—Ibid., p. 392. Did she intend to condemn only partisan Adventists, if voting, must not be emotionally or strife and scheming, dishonest manipula violently engaged in partisan strife: "Those who tions? Did she intend to discourage orderly stand as educators, as ministers, as laborers together exercise of the vote and serious study of with God in any line, have no battles to fight in the political science? political world."—Ibid., p. 393. Historical Background: Since the ex Strong warnings against becoming involved in pressions politics and political were "political issues" or activities: "Let political ques penned by Ellen G. White during the lat tions alone. . . . Every teacher, minister, or leader ter half of the nineteenth century, an un in our ranks who is stirred with a desire to ventilate derstanding of the character of political 32 THE MINISTRY Evangelist Billy Graham and Richard Nixon shake hands with zvheel-chair patients and other well wishers at the final service of the Pittsburgh Area Crusade in Pitt Stadium. The service had both Democratic and Republican appeal, as a telegram was read from Hubert H. Humphrey.

affairs in the United States at that time buff. Never before had American politics been so may aid the reader in ascertaining the ac intellectually bankrupt. . . . The result was to make curate meaning of these terms as Ellen G. national politics unreal, and, except for electoral White intended them to be understood, clowning and Congressional buncombe, very dull. . . . Candidates . . . fought political campaigns on and as they, no doubt, were understood the basis of personality or inherited prejudice. . . . by the readers at the time of publication. Politics was largely a Punch and Judy show, but A leading authority in the field of Ameri though the puppets and even the voices changed, can religious history observed: the hands that held the strings were the same. Busi ness ran politics, and politics was a branch of busi "Lowering of the standards of conduct in both ness. The country, said John Sherman after the public and private life was one of the unfortunate election of 1888, had 'reached the last stages in the consequences of the Civil War. The country's wealth history of the Roman Empire when offices were sold was increasing with an alarming rapidity in the at public auction to the highest bidder.'" 2 midst of political and social confusion while the "In the first half of the nineteenth century, poli war brought to prominence a class of rough, un tics had been an honored calling, and those in pub scrupulous men, with low standards of personal lic life had been the objects of admiration. This conduct, who too frequently were permitted to gain changed after the 1850's, and many persons came to leadership in both business and politics. Out of such feel that politics was a field to be avoided at all a general background came an era of wholesale cost. . . . Politics seemed to be increasingly corrupt; corruption in politics which affected every section and run by sordid professionals." 3 of the nation and every department of government. "It began to look as though the national govern The use of money in buying elections was but one ment had only one reason for existence, to promote of the many forms of political corruption. Votes the interests of the dominant party through proper were bought and sold in more than one state capital distribution of the spoils." * as commonly as meat in the market; governors' sig A practicing politican said about the most popular natures to bills intended to create private fortunes political figure of the 1870's: " 'What I liked about were purchased with sums which reached into the him was his frank and persistent contention that the tens of thousands. . . . Corruption in business was citizen who best loved his party and was loyal to it, even more common, if possible, than in govern was loyal to and best loved his country.'" s ment." l "There is no drearier chapter in American politi Comments by early Adventists: During cal history than that which records the period from the formative years of the Advent Move the end of reconstruction to the Populist revolt of ment the United States was involved in the early nineties. . . . During the whole of this turbulent political currents. The issues period the electorate played a game of blind man's that resulted in the outbreak of the War NOVEMBER, 1968 33 Between the Slates were much agitated advise any man to accept political position, nor . . . before the 1860 national election. James has the church the right to deny any of its members White wrote in the Review, August 21, this privilege and right."—March 26, 1936. "It is natural that every man, whether preacher 1860: or lay member, should have an interest in national "The political excitement o£ 1860 will probably and international questions. . . . There can be no run as high as it has for many years, and we would question as to the wisdom and propriety of workers' warn our brethren not to be drawn into it. We are considering these great world problems in the light not prepared to prove from the Bible that it would o£ divine prediction. Indeed, this is necessary to pro be wrong for a believer in the third message to go phetic exposition. ... Is it proper for the minister in a manner becoming his profession, and cast his of the gospel to exercise the right of franchise? I be vote. We do not recommend this, neither do we lieve that he may properly do this. The apostle oppose. If a brother chooses to vote, we cannot Paul, in seeking protection from his enemies, ap condemn him, and we want the same liberty i£ we pealed to the fact that he was a Roman citizen and do not." was entitled to the protection which this citizenship guaranteed. . . . This is quite different . . . from Two years later (Review, August 12, acting as a partisan in a political field, electioneer 1862), James White indicated that some ing, arguing, and contending for political measures, Adventists had voted: and decrying the policies and the candidates of op posing political parties. . . . Very definite instruction "Those of our people who voted at all at the last has been given that our ministers and the teachers Presidential election, to a man voted for Abraham and managers in our schools should keep entirely Lincoln." out of the general field of politics, so far as carrying At the General Conference in 1865 the forward any agitation is concerned."—April 2, 1936. following resolution was adopted under Dealing specifically with the warning the heading "Voting": statements by Ellen G. White concerning "Resolved, That in our judgment, the act of vot Adventist attitudes to "political" affairs, ing when exercised in behalf of justice, humanity, Wilcox expressed this opinion (in the Re and right, is in itself blameless, and may be at some view, October 10, 1940): times highly proper; but that the casting of any vote that shall strengthen the cause of such crimes "Is it possible to heed this counsel and at the as intemperance, insurrection, and slavery, we re same time exercise our right of franchise in national gard as highly criminal in the sight of Heaven. But and State elections? We believe it is. One can vote we would depreciate any participation in the spirit for certain men and measures, he can give his of party strife." (Reported in the Review, May 23, support by ballot to ways and means which make 1865.) for the good of the state and society, and at the same time keep free from the control or domina Comments by leading Adventists: While tion or spirit of some political party which advocates neither our pioneers nor our recent or the measures which he approves. We know of many current leading preachers or writers pro brethren who have done this for years. They engage fess to be infallible or even pontifical, their in no political agitation or discussion, privately or statements may be taken as sound expres in public. They do not pose as the abettors or sup porters of any particular political party. They seek sions of current Adventist thinking. In always to recognize principles apart from and above 1936 Pastor Francis McLellan Wilcox, for men. If they vote, they do not link their interests 33 years editor of our major denomina with such parties. They cast their votes for the can tional journal, wrote in the Review, didates who in their judgment are best qualified for March 26, 1936, an article on "Seventh- particular offices, without reference to party affilia day Adventists and Politics" and another tion. We cannot believe that in so doing they violate article "The Preacher and Politics," in the the spirit of the instruction which we have received. April 2, 1936 issue. We recommend these . . . When one becomes partisan, when he dabbles articles: in politics, seeks to unduly influence votes, links himself with some political party, to work for its "What relation should Seventh-day Adventists measures and its candidates regardless of the prin sustain to the question of politics? Is it proper for ciples involved, it is this spirit against which we them to exercise the right of franchise, to go to the are warned." polls and cast their votes . . . ? We believe that this is their God-given and undeniable right. And this Pastor J. Lamar McElhany, for 16 years right they have chosen to exercise through all the president of the General Conference, ex years. ... Is it right for a Seventh-day Adventist pressed himself (in the Review, October to hold political office? . . . Based upon the history 23, 1952) in this way: of the children of God through the centuries, . . . I must believe that this is consistent with Christian "The church has never attempted to instruct its faith and practice. ... It is not for the church to members as to how they should vote, or for whom

34 THE MINISTRY they should vote. These are matters that must be and dignity, ever seeking to be fully and left to the members' individual conscience. Nor has impartially informed, and in all aspects of the church placed any ban or censure on its mem his functions always seek to discharge first, bers if they as qualified citizens choose to exercise their right to vote, or on any who may choose not and at all costs, his ambassadorial obliga to vote." tions as a personal representative of Christ among his fellow men. In a previous article (Review, August 14, 1952), McElhany made this comment: REFERENCES 1 William Warren Sweet, The Story of Religion in America "We believe every member ... is entitled to exer (New York: Harper, 1939), pp. 476, 477. 2 Samuel Eliot Morrison and Henry Steele Commager, The cise his or her right of franchise. The stability and Growth of the American Republic, vol. 2, (New York: Ox foundation of good government rests upon the peo ford University Press, 1942), pp. 214 ff. (read also pp. 365. 366). ple. H those who are stable and law abiding and 3 Merle Curti and others, An American History, vol. 2, have a high regard for the principles of good gov (New York: Harper, 1950), (read also pp. 271, 272). 4 Ralph Volney Harlow, The Growth of the United States, ernment hold themselves aloof from the task of (New York: Henry Holt, 1933), p. 611. choosing good and fit men for governmental leader 5 Ibid., pp. 611, 612. ship, they thereby make themselves responsible for failures in government. This is a responsibility good citizens should seek to avoid insofar as their votes make this possible. ... It is important that all issues that are to be placed on the ballot should be care fully studied by every conscientious voter." The Adventist attitude toward civic and FEEDBACK public affairs seems to be that the genuine Adventist is primarily a citizen of the heav enly kingdom, established upon principles outlined in the Bible. The true "Christian is a converted man, an ambassador from God to men. DEAR EDITOR: The Christian's chief program for na Three cheers for the excellent article in the July tional and international betterment is the MINISTRY by D. A. Delafield entitled "Last Stanza, spiritual gospel, which links man to Christ Please!" I heartily agree with the position he has and liberates man from his dependence taken in this article. upon social and civic measures. The true In order to add just a little more fuel to the fire Adventist is not of this world; he is swiftly that he has kindled, how about taking a careful look on his way out. Yet, while passing through at the hymn "Live Out Thy Life Within Me" (No. he seeks to attract other men to the heav 279, Church Hymnal). When we sing all four of enly kingdom by translating its divine these stanzas they fit together perfectly. The second principles into human action. As a part of stanza says: "The temple has been yielded, and this, the true Christian will aid in the purified of sin." This leads perfectly into the third proper promotion of sensible plans for the stanza, which opens with the words "Its members extension of health, for the realization of every moment held subject to Thy call." Now if religious and other proper freedoms, for we omit stanza number 2 the third stanza lacks the relief of want and fear, and for the much of the meaning that is present when it is tied pacific stability of the social and political with stanza number 2. If both the second and the order. Peace among men and peace among third are left out, the fourth stanza does not have nations are among his personal concerns. the full meaning that is there when the complete Justice is one of his aims. hymn is sung as it was written. Under appropriate conditions the Ad This is just an illustration of how careful we ventist may cast his vote, or refrain from should be if we ever omit any stanzas in the songs voting, as his deliberate judgment suggests. that we use in our meetings. The obvious answer to He will condemn no one who, under full this problem ... is for all ministers to resolve to consciousness of the spirit and doctrines of begin their meetings on time. Have as few prelimi Christ, may decide to devote parts of his naries as possible and shorter sermons, then it will talents and time to the giving of sensible not be necessary for any of us to be embarrassed leadership to his local or national or world by having somebody step forward and say, "Last community. On the other hand, the true stanza, please!" Christian will weigh matters calmly, con WM. C. HATCH duct himself with the strictest rectitude President, Wyoming Conference NOVEMBER, 1968 Visible Visitation FILE

ROBERT DALE Ministerial Association Secretary, Indiana Conference

IME is the chrysalis of eternity," said In order to make the best use of time TRichler. The Lord wants our precious in visiting, the Indiana Conference minis time; not our spare time. Of all the talents terial department has prepared the follow we possess, time is the most valuable— ing Rolodex Visible Visitation File system. time that should count for souls won to First we will define three terms that be Christ. come the backbone of the file system: (1) One of the most urgent tasks in pas file secretary, (2) master file, (3) location toral-evangelistic work is visitation, both file. of church members and interested people. In order to process each name that is Ministers should spend their time in the turned in for visitation and follow-up and right homes at the right time to reach souls to keep the files up to date, a file secretary who are at the point of decision. The is chosen. This person can be invaluable Rolodex Visible Visitation File system can in organizing and recording data for the be used effectively by a minister in plan pastor-evangelist in his visitation program. ning for visiting the right interests at the The master file is an alphabetical listing optimum time. His time is not wasted in on Rolodex 3 by 5 cards (white) of all locating top names, assessing their interest, names coming into the church office. The analyzing past visits made. This file system location file contains a duplicate Rolodex has one card filed by location, so in any card (green), filed by location for visita given area he has at his command all of tion. This card is taken out of the office the interest names and church member for visitation. names in that area. At a glance he can see White Rolodex cards are used for the the degree of interest of any name in his master file, green Rolodex cards (the dup file, since each card is clipped with a color- licate) are used for the visitation file, and coded metal signal. a third card in yellow has been prepared 36 THE MINISTRY especially for members of the church. A sixty-division set of plastic Rolodex These cards are also made out in duplicate alphabet guides is used for the master (both yellow) and filed in each of the file so the cards can be readily located two files, master and location. Sample when needed. For the location file, the cards appear below. blank insertible plastic Rolodex guides are used for the names of the section numbers in a city, rural route numbers, or small (Front) Yellow Cards (Back) towns within a district. The color-coded metal signals used are the Graffco Nu Vise Signals, which can be obtained at any good office-supply store. In the center space of each card a signal is placed to show the degree of interest of each name. (Example below.) The colors are chosen for degree of interest as fol lows:

Yellow—excellent Orange—good Red—fair Pink—poor Green—none Blue—inactive

An "inactive" name would be one who had died, moved out of town, or is other wise not available. These names are kept in the master file for a period of time only to check against in case the same name would be turned in at a later time. On the left-hand position of the card, any local missionary endeavor can be clipped with a color you choose, such as (Front) White and Green Cards (Back) using a white signal for those taking Gift Bible Evangelism, Bible studies in the home, attending Vacation Bible School, et cetera. JJ On the right-hand position of the card, a yellow signal is placed on the cards of those attending a current series of evangel istic meetings. These are yellow because they are top interests and need to be seen easily. Also in this same position on the card, the yellow member cards should be __ . 12345678910 12 131* 15 ift 17 IS 19 It) 21 22 33 24 IS' £3 Bible School clipped with a white signal so they can be Meetings Attended. easily identified. Sources of Names . .::. - fj Degree'of : ;t>3le ' : '^ YOur'Natwe - lntEiest The source of names to be obtained for ' :; V. V. <<•; , -, •" :- ; -\ ,, -;:-,:;,,;;• '&•+ *'•- . - -:- -? "•-' : ;; : "-- - "-,:.""• the file are many and varied. Parishioners .-,. . =: =• "' . ! -:,:..,.. K , -::: : S ••"•:.." * * : -.:--' ~.'*, . -f :- V , hand in many names of friends, relatives, "i ', I < -- ; /i:w ..... " ,...--: -«""; " ::-. ------/.•;'• and neighbors they want visited. Before a ;;;,,- • , ', » .... -:: : - •'••:-:- , ;- : .^. - ', i" :> : : -;-••"-"•".." '- :-..:' :,,:-- . :.'--;, series of evangelistic meetings the Bible :* '"". . : :,--;;;.., , f------,. ... -x...'s- . --. ;• . -. .£"-- ft , "':-. K..;r " ,:- w ;:: ', ,. -- - schools will send the names of their stu v ; ffl'-:« * .,"• . :- "-- - >' =- =J "-:t;".. .y=» "* *, dents. Our leading missionary periodicals ;. ^ ,:,::,*-.. -.? "-- ^ T. ^ \ -M- % " V:-f . - ',: " " . ... ,...;-.,.. i .-:;:•. ::i..-. -.-,..- ,w,^'a: ? X" ' "" '"" " -V"- will send their subscribers' lists. Clerks' ; : .^ records can be a gold mine of former Ad- ventist names. These are always top in- NOVEMBER, 1968 37 terests who can be won back by persistent, name will be checked against the master loving care. Adventist doctors have names file to see if the name has already been of those who would benefit from visits, and turned in by another person. If it has not, before meetings will often send out a per she will make out two cards, white and sonal letter of invitation to their list of green, recording duplicate information on patients. The literature evangelists can each card about this person. The address supply a list of top interests they have will be found on a large district map, and found. The Gift Bible names are excellent the section number placed on each of the contacts. The church guest book can pro cards at the top in the space provided for vide names to be visited. Ingathering con "Map No." The white card will be placed tacts should also be kept in the file for in the master file and the green card will visits. Once this gathering of names begins, be placed in the location file. After the there is no limit to the number you can ob initial visit to this person, a colored signal tain in your own area, and with visitation will be placed in the center position of these people can become souls saved in the both the white and green cards according kingdom of God. to the degree of interest. These names We have found in our conference that should be visited as often as necessary for the Rolodex Visible Visitation File has their particular needs. In time these people saved much valuable time and given many may decide to become new members of your promising contacts. Also when one pastor church. leaves a district a new man coming in can The completed task will not be accom begin immediately to continue the visita plished by inept methods. We can carry tion of these names, since he does not have the gospel to the lost world quickly if we to build up a list. Thus valuable time is will but use our time to its fullest ad saved. With this file system in operation vantage. It is not enough to continue as there is no need to wait for a period of we have in the past. Every available mo time for baptisms after a new man moves ment must tell most effectively for the into a district. Top names are not lost and winning of souls. In this age of speed and forgotten. proficiency our time must be judiciously In summation let us quickly go through employed, for as Macduff states, "Not to the procedure of what the file secretary enjoy life, but to employ life, ought to be does with each name handed her. First the our aim and inspiration."

Every Preacher a Practitioner of Preventive Medicine

R. L . KLINGBE1L Pastor and Public Health Educator

The human family is suffering because of trans T THE beginning of this third article gression of the laws of God. The Lord desires that A (see November, 1967, and February, men shall be led to understand the cause of their 1968, issues) on the urgent need to install suffering and the only way to find relief. He desires gospel ministers as practitioners of pre them to see that their well-being—physical, mental, ventive medicine, we can do no better and moral—depends upon their obedience to His than to listen to the counsel of the Lord. law. . . . THE MINISTRY In the preparation of a people for the Lord's We can be ever so zealous in preaching or second coming a great work is to be accomplished disseminating our characteristic doctrines through the promulgation of health principles. The through Bible lessons that expound the people are to be instructed in regard to the needs of the physical organism and the value of healthful truth for today, be successful in gaining living as taught in the Scriptures, that the bodies assent, and baptize many to swell our which God has created may be presented to Him a ranks. But unless the principles of physical living sacrifice, fitted to render Him acceptable and mental health are built into the service. There is a great work to be done for suffer framework of doctrinal knowledge our ing humanity in ... teaching them ho\v to prevent work will be largely wasted. If Israel had sickness.1 not refused to lend an attentive and will We have known these words for many ing ear to God's health instructions their years, but the passing of time, far from descendants would have possessed both having made their content obsolete, has on physical and mental strength. They would the contrary filled them with supercharged have had a clear perception of truth and power only -waiting to be released. duty. Because they did not obey physical The world around us is again forging laws, they did not reach the high standard ahead of us, even though for reasons, shall that God desired them to attain. We are we say, less urgent than ours. We all recog in no different situation. The same cause nize that because of the pressure of the and effect applies to the church. It re tide of human degeneracy, the amazing mains for us, and especially for ministers, increase in chronic illness, prevention is to decide whether or not we shall be a becoming an absolute necessity. This is "would have been" people. why the world forges ahead. The church has an additional reason. It is clearly stated Cure-oriented in the above quotation. Where can we find Although we are God's people, we are a more powerful incentive to practice pre still predominantly cwre-oriented. We hear ventive medicine on a scale hitherto un about cure wherever we go. We operate known among us than in the knowledge of hospitals to cure the sick. Heart-warming Jesus' imminent return? stories (and they really are) enlarge upon Although it is not our intention to mul amazing instances of healing. Graduation tiply quotations, the following is so irresist speeches laud the "healing arts" to the ibly to the point that it might well be almost-total neglect of the preventive pondered very carefully. skills. Of course, it stands to reason that a A nation's first line of defense in building a certain emphasis will always have to be healthy people lies in the maintenance and promo placed on the work of curing. What we tion of health. Any society that concentrates its need, however, is a totally different kind health dollars and its health services on care of the of relationship between the two. Preven sick will never be a healthy society. There is critical tion must come into its own. It is too need for a concept of "community health services" costly, too time consuming, to exert our to transcend the all-too-common concept of "sick efforts largely in the area of healing. In services." Leadership by persons oriented and edu the words of our quotation, if we concen cated to a concept of health is sorely lacking. When trate our precious Adventist dollars in maintenance and promotion of health fall short, a wide range of resources are needed (of which hos centers for curing the ill, we will never pitals are one) to properly provide the therapeutic be a healthy people either. and rehabilitative services in many settings through We, too, have a critical need for a con various health disciplines. This is not to suggest cept of church "health services" to trans that care of the sick is unimportant. Rather, the cend the all-too-common concept of "sick sick reflect our failure in promoting and maintaining services." By "health services" we do not health.2 mean merely the laudable efforts put forth These timely words take on even greater by a thousand Dorcas societies. The ex urgency when applied to God's "dedicated pression includes the entire spectrum of nation" (1 Peter 2:9, N.E.B.).* activities that would promote the health The first line of defense of a people of our members whether rich or poor, con claimed by God as His own is good health. tinual training and guidance in matters of hygiene for all periods of life, the study of physiology by all age groups in all * From The New English Bible, New Testament. © The Delegates of the Oxford Univers'ty Press and the Syndics of churches. The responsibility for doing this the Cambridge University Press 1961. Reprinted by permission. rests primarily with the gospel minister. NOVEMBER, 1968 39 body, without fault when our Lord Jesus Christ comes." 3 There is only one way in which this can be accomplished; namely, through consistent and continuous teach ing by the minister of all the principles of preventive medicine and by precept and ex ample. Minister's Responsibility Of late I have been newly impressed with the wonders of the human body. In common with my fellow ministers I have often quoted the declaration that man is "fearfully and wonderfully" made. But as leaders of the flock, do we really know how wonderful? How much time have we really spent in discovering the body and its won ders? To do this is not the task of medical students only; nor of nurses and others engaged in the work of healing. Of all The original DORAN'S, now people, ministers should be conversant in matters of physiology and hygiene. This edited by Charles L. Wallis knowledge would not only deepen their ef $4.95 at your bookseller • HARPER fectiveness as preachers of the gospel be cause of their enthusiasm for God's handi work but it would also qualify them to teach those placed in their charge methods of holy living on the physical plane. Permit us He is to stand as the foremost practitioner to say once more that a few hasty talks of preventive medicine everywhere. Let appended to or inserted here and there in our doctors and nurses fill their time with a series of evangelistic meetings by a nurse, efforts at curing people and, of course, doctor, or even the evangelist hardly begin with preventive activities as well. But the to meet the requirements of Adventist largest share of the task of teaching and preaching and pastoring. A study of health encouraging prevention belongs, accord integrated into the framework of spiritual ing to the blueprint, to the gospel minister. truth should go on continually in classes, He is to be the practitioner of preventive but preferably study groups. To do less medicine par excellence. In previous ar than this is to hastily salute something we ticles we have given quotations from the respect but to which we have as yet not Lord's servant to substantiate this. We will, done justice. therefore, not repeat them here. Before proceeding with our study, let us look again admiringly at the work and Superiority in Some Areas character of our Saviour. What tireless de In writing these words we are not una votion He displayed while serving men ware of the already-existing superiority of both physically and spiritually! Never did the health status of God's people, especially He divorce healing of the soul from restora in some areas. This superiority is not due tion of the body. Indeed, why should He, as much to the healing arts as to preven if man was designed and made a complete tive medicine. Good Adventist hygiene has whole? Only subsequent infection by pa given us an advantage over other people. gan thought led men to dichotomize a hu But how tragic it would be if we should be man being. It is the purpose of the final satisfied with what after all is but a very gospel entrusted to the church to restore moderate superiority. There are many man's wholeness not only in the sense of areas of healthful living in which as yet we making him well but of reaffirming the true have no reason for satisfaction whatever. concept of the unity of the entire person. God's wonderful desire for us is that we This u-nitv reouires that we teach all be shall be made "holy in every part," and lievers the vital relationship between physi- that we be kept "sound in spirit, soul, and (Continued on page 45} 40 THE MINISTRY Side 1—N. C. Wilson. Side 2—E. C. Ward, W. A. Fagal, E. L. Minchin. (April, May, June, July, are the tapes from the evangelistic council at Camp Berkshire in New York.)

SHOP TALK An Indispensable Tool It is becoming increasingly vital that each family in each church shall receive the blessing of the weekly visit of the Review and Herald, our church Shop Talk is for the sharing of ideas for a paper. We have come to the place where every ef more effective ministry. Please make contribu fort humanly possible must be put forth to save tions or queries brief but do make them. our dear people and to prepare them for the king dom of God. We face an almost overwhelming task for the trends are in the direction of the world with its materialistic philosophy and its insatiable desire for pleasure and things. We need, therefore, every bit of help and encouragement that we can Tape-of-the-Month Club get as we seek to lead our people into the joy of victorious living and of a completed preparedness Following are the names of the speakers heard on for the coming of the Saviour. the first seven tapes of the Save-a-Second Tape-of- The Review is a most effective aid in reaching the-Month Club. Those who have not yet joined this objective. Its heart-warming messages of prog the club may still do so and secure all back tapes ress, its alertness to the meaning of world condi if they wish.—En. tions, its call to revival and reformation, its clear presentation of Bible truth, and its hopeful mes January sage of righteousness by faith, these among other vital truths are forcefully presented from week to Side 1—Kenneth Wood, C. D. Brooks. week in our church paper. Side 2—H. M. S. Richards. The Review is for the whole family. It is of in terest to the young as well as every other age February group. It still carries the ring of certainty and confidence that has characterized it through the Side 1—A. C. Fearing, D. W. Holbrook. years. It speaks in the soft whisper of an intimate Side 2—J. S. Bonnell, Robert Gentry, R. F. Wad- relationship between the writer and the reader and dell. it brings hope and courage to all who are blessed by its continuing ministry. Every pastor should March certainly see in this outstanding journal a tool that is of such great significance that he cannot get Side 1—Robert Gentry, Catherine Marshall, Don along without it. He needs to read, it faithfully Reynolds. himself and when he does he will not be satisfied Side 2—R. R. Bietz, R. F. Waddell, Kenneth until every family in his church reads it also. Foreman. We appeal therefore, to all the readers of THE MINISTRY to join in a faithful endeavor everywhere April to place the Review, by subscription, in every home. It will help to keep our members faithful Side 1—N. R. Dower, E. C. Ward. and will bring to them the joy of belonging to a Side 2—E. E. Cleveland, Emelio Knechtle. movement that is destined for victory soon. N. R. DOWER May Side 1—E. L. Minchin, T. Carcich, J. R. Spangler. Side 2—G. E. Vandeman, A. C. Fearing. GOSPEL TENTS June STEEL-CLAD TABERNACLES Side 1—H. L. Cleveland, Glenn Sharman, D. L. SMITH MANUFACTURING CO., DALTON, CA. Gray, K. J. Mittleider. Over 50 Years in Business Side 2—F. W. Detamore, L. G. Cox, C. D. Brooks. NOVEMBER, 1968 41 AFTER SIXTY-SIX YEARS

F. D. WELLS Retired M/n/ster, Potomac Conference

This heart-warming article came in to Had it not been for my wife's sweet dis our office in the form of a letter, and we position I doubt I could have stood the would like to share it with you. D. M. p. test of those early years as a worker. While she was never strong physically, she willingly carried her share of our work OT many couples have spent more years together. As the years slipped by, Mabel's N together than Mabel and I have. By back trouble cleared up considerably, and the grace of the Lord we celebrated our as time passed she could ride hundreds of sixty-sixth wedding anniversary on Septem miles without complaining. ber 2, 1968. We were twenty-two years old Though my wife was not trained for when we were united in wedlock. public service she served as secretary of The message came to my parents in 1880, the Sabbath School department one year the year I was born. Frequently through at the high salary of five dollars a week! my boyhood days mother reminded me she Because some felt that the giving of two had dedicated me to the Lord's work. salaries for one family was inequitable, Mother and father passed away shortly after our marriage. Mabel served a second year without pay. I will never forget the statement mother Through the years my companion has made to me soon after I brought my bride always minded her own business. She has home. "Frank," she said, "you will never never "pried" information on committee keep that girl five years." actions from me. She has never been a Dear Mabel had had Pott's disease and gossiper. I have never been embarrassed still had a very tender spot in her back. because she "told tales out of school." She She suffered intense pain. She never always accepted a humble place. She did weighed more than one hundred pounds her part socially—as a hostess she could and was never very strong. In spite of her not be beaten. She never put on airs but suffering she has been the most cheerful always played her part in a quiet, gracious and lovable companion a man could have. manner. Everyone admired her for her lovable dis If she visited in homes, she never was position. in the way, and I was always invited back. I sympathized with her in her suffering It was surprising how Mabel could fit into and planned my work so that I could mas my program. She could help without inter sage her back every day. Shortly after our fering with the hostess. She never rested marriage we purchased our first automobile. while there was work for the lady of the To ride one hundred miles was agony to home to do. her yet she always insisted on giving up Through the years my dear companion the front seat to any other lady in our always kept up her end of the partner group. She seemed to think all women had ship until recent years. For the last ten the same backache she suffered. years she has had to lay down the heavy 42 THE MINISTRY burdens, but during these years as an in signed to different individuals to develop. valid Mabel still continues to be an in At an all-day workers' meeting in spiration to me. She has accepted her suf March, the women met separately for one fering patiently and without complaint. hour in the morning and two hours in the A helpmeet—yes, but Mabel has been afternoon. Introducing the topic of self- much more than that. Through the years improvement, Mrs. Kagels said: "Some she has been a wonderful inspiration to will never bother to find out what is in me. I know hundreds, yes, perhaps, thou side the book if they don't like the cover. sands of others who could bear testimony For this reason we are turning our atten to her faithful help through my long years tion to personal appearances, or the 'outer of service in pastoral and executive work. woman.' " She emphasized the delicate balance be tween the outer and the inner woman. They must be put in proper perspective to the whole woman. Mrs. Richard Figuhr led a well-planned Ministers' Wives Organize symposium, with different women present ing the following topics: LAVERN E BE ELER 1. Love, warmth, and charm—essential personality ingredients for winning and Mount Vernon, Ohio holding friends LDER CLEVELAND will speak to the 2. Good grooming principles—a review E ministers' wives this afternoon at three- of things we already know thirty." 3. Graceful carriage—standing, sitting, This announcement at the workers' re and walking treat last fall was the beginning of a new 4. Clothes—what is appropriate for experience for the ministers' wives of the whom and when Ohio Conference. We walked down the 5. Hair care—why, and how, and a dem path, crossed a small stream of water, and onstration sat on the log benches at Camp Mohaven's Mrs. Figuhr reminded us that in discuss Indian Village to listen as Elder Cleveland ing these things we are merely following read a poem he had composed as he inspired instruction. "While we should not walked through the wooded area to the conform to worldly fashions, we are not meeting place. The poem described the to be indifferent in regard to our outward ideal wife. His topic, "Ten Command appearance."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 355. ments for the Minister's Wife," was prac The conference provided capable acad tical and inspiring. We liked what we emy girls to care for the small children of heard and wanted more. the ministers' wives who wished to attend "Let's have more ladies' meetings." the meetings. "Can't we have an exchange sheet?" A special series of meetings at camp- The conference officers were agreeable meeting time was given by Margit Hep- to having regular meetings for the women, penstall. She discussed the "inner woman" and it was decided our exchange sheet and such subjects as the relationship of could accompany the Parson's Corner, a the minister's wife to her God, her hus semimonthly communication to keep the band, her children, her church, and her workers informed of plans and programs community. A panel discussion and op initiated and promoted by the conference portunity for questions and answers fol administration and departments, as well lowed each presentation. as news about workers. And so the Help Material for the Helpmeet's Nook is meet's Nook was born. contributed by the various wives, and it is Since the inception of this idea last sum coordinated by Mrs. Philip Follett, Mrs. mer, we have organized a steering com A. E. Harms, and Mrs. C. R. Beeler at mittee, consisting of five members, with conference headquarters. We have had ar Mrs. L. F. Kagels, wife of the Toledo pas ticles, poems, recipes, family news, and tor, as chairman. The steering committee quotations from the Spirit of Prophecy made tentative plans for the entire year. writings on such subjects as the minister's Topics suggested by the women were as- home. Some questions of general interest NOVEMBER, 1968 43 have been answered by Albert E. Brendel, of some of the most outstanding of the prophets. Kettering Memorial Hospital chaplain. Great leaders such as Elijah and Elisha stood for Our meetings at the workers' retreat this the purity of Israel's faith in the days when Baal fall will cover such topics as budgets and worship challenged the worship of Jehovah. These economics, the church's responsibility in were followed by such men as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, and Amos, who proclaimed the impending sex education, interior decoration and doom of faithless Israel. Yet in spite of everything flower arrangement, and the Adventist God could not forget His covenant. His patience heritage. with a vacillating people reveals the long-suffering Besides benefiting from the exchange of Jehovah. of ideas in our meetings and through the It is inspiring to read this clearly outlined his Helpmeet's Nook, the ministers' wives are tory and with it the inspired commentary con becoming better acquainted with one an tained in the book Prophets and Kings. The il other. Young women, just beginning life lustrations in the Pfeiffer volume are up-to-date, in the parsonage, are profiting from the the text is superb. For a Bible teacher in either counsel of those of more experience. At academy or college, this is a must. It is not just history but history retold by a minister of the the same time, those of more experience Word. are keeping better informed on new ideas R. ALLAN ANDERSON and trends. Ministers' wives of the Ohio Conference Charles Haddon Spurgeon, W. Y. Fullerton, Moody now feel very much a part of the confer Press, Chicago, Illinois, 283 pages, $4.95. ence program. We want to keep pace with our husbands by being able to fulfill more W. Y. Fullerton, a close friend of Charles Had effectively the role of homemaker and don Spurgeon, completed this most interesting helpmeet. biography 28 years after the great preacher's death. All the warmth and color of Spurgeon's life, ex periences, character, and exploits shine forth in this book. I was gripped by the story of his early beginnings as a boy preacher and all the inner working of his heart and mental preparation that made him the most popular preacher in London at the age of twenty-one. Every Sunday for forty years, he continued to preach in London. Crowds from eight to ten thousand assembled to hear his lively, down-to-earth messages, well understood by BOOKS the common and intellectuals alike. Besides this he published more than 3,500 sermons, founded Sun day schools, churches, an orphanage, a college, and edited a monthly church magazine. I especially appreciated the many choice excerpts from his sermons and knowing some of the events The Divided Kingdom, Charles F. Pfeiffer, Baker and circumstances lhat gave impetus to his utter- Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1967, 107 ings. One cannot, I believe, read this book without pages, $3.95. himself being enriched, drawn to the power of Scripture in preaching, and inspired to spend Anyone acquainted with Dr. Pfeiffer's books many more long hours in study that he too may knows the value of his work. This is the fifth vol become a man used of God as a mighty soul ume in a particular series on Old Testament winner. studies. Previously released volumes in this set are "What a storehouse the Bible is," he once said The Patriarchal Age, Exile and Return, Egypt and at a meeting of the Bible Society, "since a man may the Exodus, Between the Testaments. The author continue to preach from it for years, and still find is associate professor of ancient literatures at Cen that there is more to preach from than when he tral Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michi began to discourse upon it. What pyramids of gan. He is well known in the academic world, hav books have been written upon the Bible, and yet ing authored a number of books in addition to we who are students find no portion overex- those already mentioned; such as The Dead Sea pounded, but large parts which have been scarcely Scrolls, Baker's Bible Atlas, The Biblical World, touched. . . . For twelve years most of my sermons and The Book of Genesis. have been reported and reprinted and yet in my The 335 years from the death of King Solomon search for something new I pace up and down my to the fall of Jerusalem under Nebuchadnezzar in study, embarrassed with the abundance of topics, 587 B.C. is covered by this present volume. The de not knowing which to choose." cline of political power in Israel and Judah during I cannot help exclaiming, "What a man!" these centuries was marked also by the emergence ANDREW FEARING

44 THE MINISTRY Christian Appreciation of "Pagan Values" Urged An analytical psychologist told the Eighth Na tional Conference on Christian Education in Notre Dame that ancient pagan values that are reappear ing in culture today should be appreciated rather than rejected by the church. The Reverend Thayer A. Greene, of New York City, spoke to some 2,300 persons attending the meeting spon NEWS BRIEFS sored by the United Church of Christ. Both Protestants and Roman Catholics attended. Among the evidences of a "new paganism" he cited the hippie movement "with its affirmation of the nat ural and the sensual and its search for an in tensity of individual feeling and experience." He [Unless otherwise credited, the following news items are also cited the interest of some youths in Eastern taken from Religious News Service.] meditation. "This represents a movement away from our own religious practice and assumptions to Home Bible Study Groups Seen as Growing Trend an exploration of the view of the world and the in Evangelism self which previous generations of Protestant The evangelistic methods of. the 1930's and 1940's Americans have almost totally ignored and have are being replaced by home Bible study groups, labeled pagan." Evangelist John E. Haggai claimed in Atlanta. Many Americans, he said, "have the idea that those FBI Report Indicates Nation's Crime Rate In who espouse evangelism are short on brains and creased in 1967 long on lungs," and will not accept the approach of earlier decades. The phenomenon of the home The nation's crime rate, which has been increas Bible study groups is a healthy trend, Dr. Haggai ing at a steady rate for the past six years, took a continued, especially when the groups are church sharp jump upward in 1967, according to J. Edgar related. But the Atlanta-based evangelist said he Hoover, director of the Federal Bureau of Investi was dubious of the home study when "it seems to gation. The top G-man in the country, in issuing be a hate the church movement." Dr. Haggai's ac his annual Uniform Crime Reports for the United tivities during the past year have included cam States, announced that more than 3.8 million paigns in Indonesia, Lebanon, and South Viet crimes were reported during 1967, a 16.5 per cent nam. rise over 1966. This figure includes both violent and nonviolent offenses. "From 1960 to 1967 the volume of crime has risen 89 per cent and our Believing California Doomed, Church Sect Flees United States population 10 per cent. Thus, crime to Atlanta continues to outstrip population growth almost Members of the First Apostolic Church of Bell nine to one," Mr. Hoover declared. Gardens, California, are moving to Atlanta because, as one member who arrived in Atlanta said, God is going to cause the Golden State "to fall off in the Catholics Warned Against Equating Peacemaking water." The first group of 100 have leased a small With Order-Keeping former Baptist church building, and prepared for Roman Catholics have too long "tended to the arrival of another 100. They have named their equate peacemaking with order-keeping," dele movement in Atlanta the Bible Apostolic Church. gates to an area convention of the Christian Family John Estes explained that members sold their Movement were told at St. Mary's College in homes, quit their jobs, and moved because of the Winona, Minnesota. Mary Perkins Ryan, an au prophetic leadership of the Reverend Donald thor, said that "peace" in the Bible's usage "means Abernathy. The clergyman is said to have visions not simply the absence of disorder and violence, and to have worked miracles, including healing but the positive achievement of full human living and bringing a stillborn baby to life. "This is the in community." Too many Catholics think, she reason we do what we do," Mr. Estes said. "We've said, that the most important virtue to teach seen God work through him [Mr. Abernathy] children is obedience. "Salvation," she said, "used many times. He predicted the Watts riot and the to be presented as a matter of staying in the Arab-Israeli war." It was in July, Mr. Estes con 'state of grace' by believing the truths of faith and tinued, that the minister told the group it must obeying the commandments of God so that one flee to Atlanta. Mr. Estes said he did not know would not die in a state of mortal sin and go to the day or month when catastrophe would fall hell. Now," she said, "we are beginning to see more upon California but it "would probably be before clearly that sin is not so much a matter of trans 1970." The sect members believe that the West gressing detailed commands, but of refusing to love Coast State will come to an end through an earth God and man. We see salvation will ultimately be quake causing it to be swallowed up by the Pacific the fullness of life in community, achieved fullness Ocean. of peace." NOVEMBER, 1968 45 mate relationship between Loma Linda BAPTISTRIES-SPIRES and Andrews University on the part of Unit-Molded both students and faculty. In view of the Fiberglass nearness of the end, the needs of the hour Accessories and of God's people, this rapprochement tyfaeetematm seems inevitable. We can only wish that the L Box 672 Dept. JS, Muscatine, Iowa "engagement" witnessed of the elements in the training of our ministers may be success ful so that we shall soon see a matrimonial union between the theological and medical Every Preacher a Practitioner curriculums. When each phase of minis of Preventive Medicine terial training shall receive its proper em (Continued from page 40} phasis, when students of theology will be permitted to acquaint themselves suffi cal and spiritual hygiene. Jesus, the Master ciently with physiology and hygiene, then Physician, was also the Master Preacher. they will go out as professional practitioners But the Master Preacher was also the Mas of preventive medicine and thus be able to ter Physician. Although we in our human preach an integrated message that the limitation will never reach the time when world needs so much in these last days. all ministers will be physicians or equally all physicians be ministers, still the Master 1 Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 226. Himself calls for ministers with sufficient 2 Joan Hoexter, "A Viewpoint on the Primary Focus of training to step out as full-fledged practi Nursing," The Shifting Scene—Directions for Practice, Na tional League for Nursing, 1967. tioners of preventive medicine. Our unique 31 Thess. 5:23 (N.E.B.). message demands such an advance. We are able to obtain this knowledge. What a wonderful blessing it will be to our work everywhere when gospel minis ters sufficiently versed in the principles of CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS physiology and preventive medicine will in Advertisements appropriate to The Ministry, appear ing under this heading, ten cents a word for each tegrate them with other truths, but both insertion, including initials and address. Minimum publicly and privately, and above all, con charge, $2.75 for each insertion. Cash required with order. Address The Ministry, 6840 Eastern Avenue, tinually. Washington, D.C. 20012, U.S.A. Intimacy Between Loma Linda and Andrews University It is truly heartening to see that attempts are being made to establish a more inti- RELIGIOUS BOOKS BOUGHT AND SOLD! 75,000 used and out-of-print books available. Catalog upon request. Ministers' libraries purchased. Write: Kregel's Book Store, Department PM, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503. ARROW ILLUSTRATED EVANGELISTIC SERMONS SENT ON TERYLENE APPROVAL. Over 4,000 beautiful color slides—songs— 59 illustrated subjects—many quotations, charts, texts. SHIRTS Price lOc to 17c per slide. Monthly payments accept Fused Collars able, no carrying charge. GLOBAL CHURCH FILMS, Absolutely No Ironing INC., Box 8003, La Sierra, California 92505. Can Be Machine Washed or Hand Laundered Also Perma Iron Shirts CHURCH FURNITURE AT ITS BEST. Bascom's Church Furniture serving the nation. YOUR SEVENTH- WRITE: DAY ADVENTIST COMPANY WITH OVER 3,000 Ontario-Quebec Book and Bible House INSTALLATIONS. Bascom's Church Furniture. Box 585, Box 520 Oshawa, Ontario Keene, Texas 76059. Telephone: 645-9611. Area Code 817.

46 THE MINISTRY Make Your Sanctuary More Presentable!

• Replace worn copies • Replenish lost books • Add copies for membership in creases • Get your personal copy at a big saving

Regular Price S3.50

Now for a Limited Time! Only

each

Offer Effective October 1 through December 31, 1968

Gold Stamping: One line, same im print—SI.00 for first book, 15 cents for each additional book.

ORDER NOW FROM YOUR BOOK AND BIBLE HOUSE

Please odd 25c first book, 5c each additional book, for insurance and post age, and State sales tax where necessary. Prices slightly higher outside U.S.A.

NOVEMBER, 1968 47 puter in the Pentagon basement for an unbiased opinion. The computer replied: "Your formal address is both good and original. The trouble is that the part that is good is not original, and the part that is original is not good." Clifford said that he destroyed the address and instructed the computer to classify its answers Sensitive, Top Secret, No Distribution! o. M. B. POINTERS THE WE PROCLAIM the doctrine of rev- IRREVERENT erence to our people. But how reverent are we as ministers? Some time ago one of my ministerial brethren, seated in the audience behind me, chattered, chit- tered, and snickered during a good part of the church service. It was a most embarrassing experi SANITY "THE world is prone to call every man ence. Nearby were several non-Adventists who who is possessed with a little earnest undoubtedly were negatively affected by this ness or enthusiasm a fool, but it is an open ques breach of etiquette. For a non-Christian to display tion which is more foolish, the world or the man. such an irreverent attitude during a sermon would And perhaps we shall learn someday that there was be most unacceptable. For a layman, it would be more sanity in our rhapsodies than in the shrewd worthy of an open rebuke, but for a minister, calculations that verged toward meanness."—E. P. such deportment could almost be considered blas ROE. phemy! I like Mr. Roe! Perhaps this trend toward realism Reverence is a quality of spirit sorely needed by is not confined to the world. Haven't we taken that the church today. As ministers who are constantly count-the-cost philosophy too far? Sure, sit down dealing with solemn, eternal truths, we can easily and count the cost, then get up and build! No slip into a state of careless irreverence. To main worth-while objective was ever accomplished with tain an attitude of respect and reverence in our out risking something. Had Peter kept his feet on disdainful, contemptuous age, requires constant the ground, he would never have walked on the vigilance. water. If Paul had had "his head screwed on right," Reverence is the primary element of religion. To he would not have lost it to Nero, his blood provid sense God's presence on all occasions is one of the ing seed for the church. The mule who hears most rewarding aspects of true Christianity. "whoa" all the time will find it hard to "get up." Satan's constant tug on our lives is always in the Lest by now the conservative reader adjudge me direction of irreverence. If he can succeed in de an advocate of government by impulse, I affirm my veloping an irreverent ministry and laity, he allegiance to and faith in sound management and knows full well that this act will do much to up planning. Between this and experimental research hold the claim that—"the Lord does not now work (scientific or spiritual) there is no natural conflict. to bring many souls into the truth, because of the Mr. Roe objects to "binding rules and cautious church members who have never been converted methods" that stifle ingenuity and reduce ideals and those who were once converted but who have to the realm of practicality. This won't work in backslidden. What influence would these unconse- day-to-day business, let alone the King's business. crated members have on new converts? Would they "He knows where he is going" accepted as a com not make of no effect the God-given message which pliment may in reality prove an epitaph. For it His people are to bear?"—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. may signal the surrender of the individual to pat 371. J.R.S. tern thinking, thus consigning him forever to be ing a cog in the wheel. - E. E. c.

THE RECENTLY the Washington Sunday Missouri Synod District Endorses Church School COMPUTER Star came out with an interesting Transportation Aid TEST note about the new Secretary of Bus transportation should be provided pupils of Defense, Clark N. Clifford. His new private and parochial schools on the same basis as responsibilities have brought- with them the duty for public school students, the Minnesota South Dis of making many speeches. What happened to one trict of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod said in of them might be suggestive of what might hap St. Paul, Minnesota. In a resolution adopted at its pen to some of our sermons if given the same treat annual meeting the district urged members of its ment. congregations to study the issue and write to their Speaking before the graduating class of National State legislators. The Missouri Synod operates the War College, he said he had written a very formal largest system of parochial schools of any Protestant address for them and fed it into the largest corn- body. R. N. s.

THE MINISTRY