Seven Churches of Revelation

32 Pages·2013·2.62 MB·English

GENERAL CHURCH PAPER OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS
VISITING THE
Seven Churches of Revelation
FIRST ARTICLE IN A SERIES
By SIEGFRIED H. HORN
AVISIT to the ancient sites where
the seven churches of Revelation
SOUTHWESTERM ASIA MINOR were located is a never-to-be-
forgotten experience, an experience I
A The Seven Churches
wish every Christian might have. One
A Other cites
mtntioWneICd;t 0;11 1 the N.T. follows not only the footsteps of great
•••• Roads monarchs such as the fabulously wealthy
-- Rivers
Croesus, the mighty Cyrus, or the adven-
turous young Alexander but also those
of famous apostles such as Paul of Tarsus
and John, the beloved disciple.
The area is by no means unknown
caitu territory, and has been visited by many
9V.96.‘a.).• thousands of Christian travelers through
the centuries. Numerous descriptions of
•„((/Alchisar) these seven cities and their remains have
::46 Myst Ira.
been published during the last five cen-
turies, but even after one has read much
of what has been written about them,
their attraction and charm remain.
The whole area in which the seven
Sort ) churches of Revelation were found is rich
•• -a..* d(cid:9) is(cid:9)
leolneklr in historical memories of the early Chris-
fitiletAtip is tian period, and played a great role in
ancient history. This brief introductory
article is not the place to follow the his-
C tory of this interesting country through
the centuries; only a few of the histori-
(5¢.1.juk) cal high lights will be mentioned, suffi-
1ErVItsu3 ........... .. ...... ..(cid:9) ... ... Hi (cid:9) --....,_ cient to show that western Asia Minor
.. ....M..o• .. e..(cid:9) .0-Aat'(cid:9) • Lo.oclDicto.i 2.1,,A,. haMs hoasdt oaf r itchhe pcoasats.t al cities of western
ceress.e.,
Asia Minor were founded by Anatolian
tribes, but at an early time they were
taken over by Greek colonists. For this
AM' let us reason western Anatolia possessed a
PATMOS strong Greek culture for many centuries.
During the seventh and sixth centuries
B.c. the powerful Lydian kingdom, which
ruled over more than half of Asia Minor,
had its capital at Sardis, site of one of
the seven churches of Revelation. This
(Continued on page 23)
VOL. 135, NO. 14 APRIL 3, 1958
110th Year of Continuous Publication
Vol. 135, No. 14 April 3, 1958
[Based on phrases in well-known hymns.—Eorroas.1
COVER Visiting the Seven Churches of Revelation "While I Am Waiting,
THE PRESIDENT'S PAGE (cid:9) Page 3 Yielded and Still"
GENERAL ARTICLES (cid:9) Page 4
Locating God's Present Truth for Our Day—Pain, Life's Instructor—On the It is reported that in a letter to a certain
Religious Front—Three Sisters From Paris newspaper editor there appeared a query re-
EDITORIALS (cid:9) Page 8 garding a robin that had injured a wing.
Watch the Sunday Movement—More Proofs but Less Ardor—Thoughts on Easter "I'd like to do something for the robin's
SABBATH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES (cid:9) Page 10 wing," the writer said, "because though his
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON HELP (For Sabbath, April 19) (cid:9) Page 11 wing droops and he cannot fly, he sits all
The Seven Seals day in an old cherry tree and sings."
OUR HOMES (cid:9) Page 12 The editor's reply has counsel in it appli-
cable to our human problems. "Let the wing
Across the Plains, and Beyond (The Westward Trek, 1)—The King's Cupbearer
alone," he advised. "A robin's wing is of
FOR ADVENTIST YOUTH (cid:9) Page 14
gossamer texture proportionately stronger
Five Minutes With the Vice-President—Have You Tried Being Kind?—Youth
than much material of greater density. If
in the News
you refrain from applying human methods
FEATURE ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (cid:9) Page 16
to that wing, the robin will let his wing droop
Prophetic Guidance That Launched a College, Part 1
until Mother Nature restores its strength."
NEWS FROM HOME AND ABROAD (cid:9) Page 18 Would that the wisdom of the crippled
Progress in Nyasaland—Literature Evangelist Institute, North Pacific Union— robin could be appropriated by people whose
Loma Linda Foods, A Story of Progress—World Welfare Service, West Coast
lives are maimed by circumstances beyond
Depot—Evansville, Wisconsin, Church Dedicated—Biennial Session of the Sao
their control. When injured by slander and
Paulo Conference—Parana Conference, Brazil, Biennial Session—Potomac Con-
ference Ordination Service—Calgary, Alberta, Caroling Success—Potomac Con- gossip, by physical disability beyond the
ference Constituency Meeting—One Thousand Miles in Search of a Grave, Part help of medical care, by spiritual frailty that
2—In Brief—Notices—Church Calendar for 1958 keeps them from rising above despair, many
POETRY there are who frantically cast about for some
My Lord, p. 4; Wonderful Saviour, p. 6 mean s of restoration, only to find that science
and human reasoning and institutional organ-
ization do not have all the answers to our
everyday problems.
Yet Jeremiah's story of the potter implies
that God has healing agencies for the restora-
tion of impaired usefulness. The prophet
saw a vessel marred in the hand of the potter.
Its clay was too fragile for the discipline of
FRANCIS DAVID NICHOL, Editor the wheel. But no time was wasted in vain
RAYMOND F. COTTRELL, KENNETH H. WOOD, JR., Associate Editors regret. The record says, "He made it again
R. R. FIGUHR, A. L. HAM, H. L. RUDY, Consulting Editors another vessel" (Jer. 18:4). The divine Potter
J. L. MCELHANY, Contributing Editor (cid:9) PROMISE JOY SHERMAN, Editorial Secretary can likewise take the life botched by sin or
untoward circumstances and remold it accord-
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS
ing to His original plan. The clay had to be
C. H. WATSON, W. WH.. BBR. AONuSOtsN, , AFR. EVD.E ROILCSKO LNE,E h.D D. E. .D IRCEKB,O PKR,E SWID. ERN.T SB EOAF CHL,IC. .D LIV.I STIOORNRSE Y, L. K. DICKSON, but quiet and pliable in the potter's hands.
If God's immutable laws work for the
"IN BRIEF" CORRESPONDENTS healing of robins' wings, will not He who
OVERSEAS: AUSTRALASIA: R. R. FRAME; FAR EASTERN: C. P. SORENSEN; INTER-AMERICA: CLYDE 0. FRANZ; knows when the sparrow falls do "exceeding
MIDDLE EAST: FLORA OSLUND; NORTHERN EUROPE: G. D. KING; SOUTH AMERICA: L. H. OLSON;
SOUTHERN AFRICA: W. DUNCAN EVA; SOUTHERN ASIA: J. F. ASHLOCK; SOUTHERN EUROPE: MARIUS FRIDLIN abundantly above all that we ask or think"?
MNORRS.T CHL AAMRAER AICNADNE RUSNOINO;N CSO: ALUTLMABNIATI: CD: OMN ISAS. LRAOUTRHA; L MA.K DER: OMWRNS.; MCAILNDARDEIDA NW: AMDRES;. NEOVRELTYHNER MN.: BLO.W HLE. SN: ECTETNETBRUARLG:; H. M. TIPPETT
NORTH PACIFIC: MRS. IONE MORGAN; PACIFIC: MRS. MARGARET FOLLETT; SOUTHERN: MISS ANITA MARTIN;
SOUTHWESTERN: H. E. SCHNEIDER
To OUR CONTRIBUTORS
As the chronicler of the history of the church, the attend and the name of their pastor or local elder.
REVIEW is always interested in reports with pictures All manuscripts should be typed, double spaced,
of important happenings—church dedications, camp and with adequate margins. Use only one side of
meetings, evangelistic meetings, and other news- paper. Carbon copies are never acceptable.
worthy events. Please send reports promptly. An out- In harmony with standard editorial practice, un-
of-date report is not news, and is not acceptable for solicited manuscripts cannot be returned unless a
publication. Also, the REVIEW, as the church pastor stamped, addressed envelope is sent with them. The
idno cptrriinnet,, iosf fienrt eprreacsttiecda li nco aurntiscelle osn t hhoawt m toa kliev ec ale haor lay REAVIlEl Wm adnouess cnroipt tpsa syu fbomr uitntesodl ifcoirt epdu mblaicteartiiaoln. and all The noontide sun is dark, and music dis-
life, et cetera. Copies of manuscripts sent to other communications relating to the editorial department cord, when the heart is low.—Young.
journals cannot be used. Lay members should identify should be addressed to: Editor, Review and Herald,
themselves by giving the name of the church they Takoma Park, Washington 12, D.C.
No padlock, bolts, or bars can secure a
CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT maiden so well as her own reserve.—Cer-
CIRCULATION MANAGER (cid:9) R. J. CHRISTIAN vantes.
Subscription rates:(cid:9) one year six months
In United States and Canada (cid:9) $6.50 $3.40
In countries requiring extra postage (cid:9) 7.00 3.65
When we read, we fancy we could be mar-
Make all post office money orders payable at the Washington, D.C., post office (not Takoma Park). tyrs; when we come to act, we cannot bear a
Address all business communications and make all drafts and express money orders payable to REVIEW AND
HERALD, Takoma Park, Washington 12, D.C. In changing address, give both the old and new address and provoking word.—Hannah More.
allow four weeks for the change.
Published by the Seventh-day Adventists. Printed every Thursday by the Review and Herald Publishing Nothing in the world is more haughty than
Association at Takoma Park, Washington 12, D.C., U.S.A. Entered as second-class matter August 14, 1903, at
the post office at Washington 12, D.C., under Act of Congress, March 3, 1879. Vol. 135, No. 14. a man of moderate capacity when once
Copyright © 1958 by the Review and Herald Publishing Association. raised to power.—Wessenburg.
2 REVIEW AND HERALD
THE GENERAL CONFERENCE PRESIDENT
SPEAKS TO THE CHURCH
THERE was a fire in Ephesus one day back in apos- it was that she had so soon adorned herself thus, she
tolic times. Articles valued at around $10,000 were replied, "Oh, I have been saving these jewels in case I
going up in smoke. Curious spectators encircled the fire. should need them again." Of course "the need" arose.
They had never seen anything just like this before. Men The devil saw to that.
and women fed the flames, casting in costly books. The Too of ten Christians are like that, maintaining ties
people seemed to be doing so with an air of finality, with the past, making it not too difficult to turn back to
clearly demonstrating they were through with things the world when disappointment and discouragement
like that. And so they were. The treasured possessions come. Not so with the Ephesian Christians. They saved
of the past were turning into ashes. For them a new life nothing that tied them to the past and to the world.
was beginning. They turned their once-prized worldly possessions into
These were the newly converted believers of Ephesus ashes.
burning their books on magic. By these books they had Years later, writing one of his wonderful epistles to the
lived. By them they had been held in superstitious bond- church in Ephesus, Paul said, "And you hath he quick-
age. Now they were reducing them to ashes. They were ened [made alive], who were dead in trespasses and sins"
doing it "before all men." Henceforth they wanted noth- (Eph. 2:1).
ing to do with "curious arts" and superstitious books, no By dying to their past life of sin, they had been made
matter how many other people believed in and followed alive to spiritual values. One can feel certain that, as the
them. Their severance with such things was complete. years came and went, the new life became increasingly
There is something moving about this purposeful satisfying to the Ephesians. It always does to those who
gesture on the part of those new Christians, breaking so have fully chosen it.
completely with the past, and entering so fully into the The challenge to us today is to break with the past and
new life. Though but babes in Christ, they had grasped cast our lot wholly with God, making no "provision for
a fundamental principle of successful Christian living. the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." Christians should
The apostle expresses it well in the words: "Put ye on burn their bridges behind them and make no plans for
the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the a retreat.
flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."
One day out in the Philippines I was told of a sister
who had become discouraged and had turned back to
the world. Immediately I called on her and found her
ears and fingers bedecked with jewelry. When asked how
(cid:9)
APRIL 3, 1958 3
A People of Prophecy-2 In the eight verses that precede this
description of the second coming of
Locating God's Present Truth Christ is found an outline of the
special truths that Christ wants us to
follow in these last days. These truths
for Our Day are set forth in three connected mes-
sages that are represented as being
preached to every nation by three an-
gels flying through mid-air.
By J. L. Shuler
Verse 14 shows that after these
special truths are preached to every
We face a situation today in the time, and since they professed to fol- nation, Jesus Christ will come the
religious world that is perplexing to low God, the only consistent course second time. This makes it plain and
many people, and challenging to all. for them to pursue was to accept sure that these special truths of these
There are hundreds of different de- John's teachings and identify them- three angels' messages are what God
nominations, each of which claims to selves with his movement. This was has ordained to be preached, believed,
teach the right way to heaven. This the conclusion that Jesus urged upon and obeyed in these last days, when
presents a challenge to every soul. them in Matthew 21:25-27. Jesus is about to come.
Among these hundreds of religious In the same way all who want to be In this prophecy of Revelation
ways, how can you be sure which is sure what is God's present truth for 14:6-14 these three angels are repre-
the way Jesus wants you to go? today may find in Revelation 14:6-12 sented as preaching these special
An adequate basis on which to take a prophecy of God's truth and work truths to every nation. What next?
one's stand for God's truth cannot be for these last days, preceding the The next item in God's program as
determined by numbers, the antiquity second advent of our Lord. This is outlined in the prophecy is the com-
of the doctrines held, the alleged his- God's special message for our time ing of Christ to gather the harvest.
torical descent of the church, the or- just as Isaiah 40:3 was a prophecy of Mark this. Since the preaching of
nate cathedrals or large institutions God's truth and work for the days of these special truths of these three
it possesses, the popular regard in John. messages leads directly into the sec-
which it is held, the miracles it works, Let us examine this prophecy of ond coming of Christ, is it not plain
the voices of the learned in its midst, Revelation 14:6-14. In verse 14 we that these truths are what Jesus
or the favor granted it by the law of read, "I looked, and behold a white Christ wants us to know and heed in
the land. The only safe and sure way cloud, and upon the cloud one sat these last days when His coming is
to decide which church is right is to like unto the Son of man, having on near?
discover which religious body is his head a golden crown, and in his This means that we have discovered
preaching the truths and doing the hand a sharp sickle." the real truth for our day. It means
special work God has appointed in Every Bible student knows that this that we have found the way of Jesus
His prophetic Word for this particular is a representation of the second com- for these days. Then the next step is
time. ing of Christ. The crown on His head to learn from the Word of God the
When God ordains certain appro- shows that when He comes He will be meaning of these special truths that
priate truths for a certain age, these King of the entire universe, the King Jesus wants us to follow.
are bound to be the way of the Lord of kings. The sickle in His hand indi- This prophecy does not mean that
for that time. To illustrate: In Isaiah cates that He will gather all the good, three angels will appear in visible
40, verse 3, there is a plain prophecy the pure, and the holy of all ages and form and fly through mid-air and an-
of what would constitute God's pres- all lands into His heavenly kingdom nounce these truths to every nation
ent truth for those who would live when He comes again. in audible tones. Why not? Because
just before the appearing of the Mes- these three messages are the everlast-
siah at His first advent. This prophecy ing gospel, and the preaching of the
says: "The voice of him that crieth My Lord gospel has been committed to men
in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way and women, not angels. So it is plain
of the Lord, make straight in the By C. A. LARSEN that these three angels represent a
desert a highway for our God." body of the Lord's people, whom God
So often when I ponder
John the Baptist knew that he was The blessings in His Word will raise up in the last days to preach
preaching God's present truth for his Then I must stop to wonder these special truths to every nation.
time, and that his teachings were the And praise my loving Lord. See how simple it is to find the way
way of the Lord, because he taught of Jesus for our day, the way He
what God had appointed in the He willingly came from glory wants us to take? All we need to do is
prophecy of Isaiah, to be preached, To cleanse my soul from dross to find the religious movement that is
believed, and obeyed at that time. And write salvation's story preaching the special truths of these
In blood upon the cross.
In order for the Jews of that day to three angels' messages, and connect
be sure which religious teaching was How can I ever fathom ourselves with it.
the true way of the Lord, there was So rich and deep a love Here are some questions that can
only one item to settle: Is this teach- Sent from the Father's bosom, be answered easily. How many true
ing of John the message that God ap- To earth from heaven above? saviors are there? Only one. The
pointed in the prophecy of Isaiah Lord Jesus Christ is the one true
40:3 for this hour? When they com- 0 wonderful completeness, Saviour of men from the time of the
My Saviour paid it all,
pared his teachings with this prophecy first man to the time of the last one. In
And I have found forgiveness,
of Isaiah, it was evident that he was Isaiah 43:11 He says, "I, even I, am
Strength to rise when I fall.
preaching the very truths that God the Lord; and beside me there is no
had ordained to be preached, His mercy sweet and tender saviour."
believed, and obeyed at that time. From sin has set me free, Here is another question: How
Since John's teachings were the di- And soon He'll bid me enter many true gospels are there? Only
vinely appointed message for their The mansion built for me. one. Only one true Saviour from the
(cid:9)
4 REVIEW AND HERALD
beginning to the end, only one true ond coming of Christ, according to world today is Christ's threefold-mes-
gospel from the beginning to the end. His own promise in John 14:3, the sage movement of Revelation 14, into
Another question: How many true redeemed will be in the new earth for- which He is calling His followers? We
faiths, or true ways in religion, from evermore. are not left to take any man's word
the beginning to the end? Ephesians Take note how these three succes- for this. The Bible presents certain
4:5 tells us, "One Lord, one faith, one sive stages fit into the prophecy of identifying specifications of the move-
baptism." Here is a summary of all Revelation 14 and 15 and reveal the ment that fulfills Revelation 14:6-12,
truth: one true God, one true Christ, real truth for our day, as set forth on so that we can find it for ourselves.
one true Holy Spirit, one true gospel, the lower part of the diagram. This The first part of this threefold mes-
one true faith. closing age of history, our day, is the sage, as set forth in Revelation 14:6,
Mark this well: When we under- time to which the three angels' mes- 7, shows that this last-day threefold-
stand and follow this threefold mes- sages of Revelation 14:6-12 apply: message movement was to arise on the
sage, we have the one true gospel and When the truths of these three mes- earth when the hour of God's judg-
the one true faith for these last days. sages have been preached to every ment began in heaven. So our next
Here is the evidence in Revelation nation, the second coming of Christ step in finding the religious move-
14:6, 12. Did you notice that the first will take place as set forth in Revela- ment that represents the threefold-
angel had "the everlasting gospel"? tion 14:14-16. Then after the second message movement of Revelation
This last-day message is the everlast- coming of Christ will come the tri- 14:6-12 is to ascertain from the Word
ing gospel, or the one true gospel of umph of the threefold-message move- of God when the judgment began in
the ages. This threefold message is the ment on the sea of glass in heaven as heaven. The Bible prophecy that
true gospel in God's appointed form set forth in Revelation 15:2, 3. shows when the judgment began in
for the last days. The question naturally arises, heaven will be unfolded in the next
Did you notice what the people Which religious movement in the article.
have who follow this threefold mes-
sage? This is important. Look at verse
12: "Here is the patience of the
Pain Life's Instructor
saints: here are they that keep the
commandments of God, and the faith
of Jesus." The faith of Jesus is the one
By Inez Stork Carr
true faith. The people of this three-
fold message keep the commandments
of God and the faith of Jesus.
When you take a journey by auto- It is possible to finish college, at- "he had learned in a few hours that
mobile to a distant place, you watch tend university, take postgraduate which years might not otherwise have
the signs along the road and take work, and still never attain to some taught him."—Patriarchs and Proph-
guidance therefrom. The Christian is simple truths, some understandings ets, p. 213.
on a journey to heaven. He needs of life's real values, and some beauty Job's greatest riches were not prop-
guidance. God has graciously and of intellect that a short course in erty and gold but boils! "The faithful
lovingly provided this guidance in the pain can give. Job, in the day of his affliction and
Bible. "Thy word," says the psalmist, In Jacob, Joseph, Job, John, and darkness, declared:
"is a lamp unto my feet, and a light many others we find it was misery
" 'Let the day perish wherein I was
unto my path." In the Bible we find that made the messenger.
born.'
many signboards that God has erected If the Lord had touched Jacob with
`0 that my grief were thoroughly
along the road to give guidance in increased strength instead of pain, no
weighed,
this world of confusion and perplex- telling how long it would have taken
And my calamity laid in the bal-
ity. him to understand, to become a
ances together! '
Notice how the prophecy of Rev- prince, and to have his prayers an-
`0 that I might have my request;
elation 14 points out the truth for swered.
And that God would grant me the
our day. In the diagram a picture of A counterpart of this we find in a
thing that I long for!
God's last-day gospel movement, just more recently chronicled incident. "I
Even that it would please God to
before the return of Jesus, is shown was shown that God had suffered this
destroy me;
as set forth in the prophecy of Rev- affliction to come upon us to teach us
That He would let loose His hand,
elation 14 and 15. much that we could not otherwise
and cut me off!
Notice that there are three succes- have learned in so short a time."—
Then should I yet have com-
sive stages indicated in the upper part Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 614, 615.
fort.' . . .
of the diagram. First, the closing age "Joseph gave himself up to un-
of history—the last days, in which we controlled grief and terror" as he real- "From the depths of discourage-
are now living. This closing age will ized he was not now a favored son ment and despondency Job rose to
be followed by the end, the second but a slave at the mercy of his hea- the heights of implicit trust in the
advent of Christ. Then after the sec- then captors, but during this agony mercy and the saving power of God.
. . . When Job caught a glimpse of
his Creator, he abhorred himself, and
repented in dust and ashes. Then
(1) (2) (3) the Lord was able to bless him abun-
The end The redeemed in the new earth dantly, and to make his last years
The closing age of history Second Advent forevermore the best of his life."—Prophets and
Kings, pp. 162-164.
Coming of The triumph of the threefold mes- Of John the Baptist it is said, "Not
The three angels' messages Christ sage movement on the sea of glass
of Revelation 14:6-12 Rev. 14:14-16 in the New Jerusalem. Rev.(cid:9) 15: Enoch, who was translated to heaven,
2, 3 not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot
of fire, was greater or more honored
Diagram showing events that help locate God's truth for today. than John the Baptist, who perished
(cid:9)
APRIL 3, 1958 5
alone in the dungeon. 'Unto you it until, like Paul, we have that thorn
is given in the behalf of Christ, not in the flesh to turn our hearts heaven-
only to believe on Him, but also to ward.
suffer for His sake.' Phil. 1:29. And There are thousands—no doubt
of all the gifts that Heaven can be- millions—of worlds besides ours in
stow upon men, fellowship with the universe. And it is God's design
[These news items are taken from Religious News
Christ in His sufferings is the most that in the ages to come the history Service. We do not necessarily concur in statements
made in these items. We publish them simply to give
weighty trust and the highest honor." of our planet's terrible experience in our readers a picture of current religious develop-
—The Desire of Ages, p. 225. rebellion and sin will be a perpetual ments.]
Our pain releases God's power in safeguard to all. As a reward, we who
Spanish Evangelical Churches Ask
that it urges us to seek for, to see, live through this painful ordeal will
Prayer for Civil Marriages
and to achieve that which we would be greatly honored. "Our little world,
otherwise miss. "It is a part of God's under the curse of sin the one dark
Evangelical churches of Spain designated
plan to grant us, in answer to the blot in His glorious creation, will be
Sunday, March 2, as a Day of Special In-
prayer of faith, that which He would honored above all other worlds in tercession and asked Christians in other
not bestow did we not thus ask."— the universe of God."—The Desire countries to join them in prayer that legal
The Great Controversy, p. 525. of Ages, p. 26. means might be found to obtain civil mar-
"The purification of the people of riages for Spanish evangelicals. Difficulties
An Apparently Strange Reward
God cannot be accomplished without have been encountered by non-Catholics in
their suffering. God permits the- fires for Rightdoing Spain in gaining civil marriages, the state-
of affliction to consume the dross, to As a result of his faithfulness, Dan- ment claimed. Applications are often denied
on the ground that "the non-Catholicity of
separate the worthless from the valu- iel, God's servant, was permitted to
the parties was not sufficiently proved."
able, that the pure metal may shine be cast into a den of hungry lions.
forth."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 85. What a reward for rightdoing! Down
Warns Against Non-Orthodox
This pure metal attracts others heav- through the ages this experience has
Activity in Yugoslavia
enward. What a science, yet how little been a guiding star for armies of
studied compared to recent research youth, and throughout all eternity
Patriarch Vikentije, at a special meeting
concerning air, space, and speed! Daniel will have occasion for contin- of Serbian Orthodox clergymen in Belgrade,
"Prayer is the key in the hand of ual rejoicing, gladness, and thankful- criticized the "increased activity" of non-
faith to unlock heaven's storehouse." ness to God for the trials and hard- Orthodox sects in Yugoslavia. The patriarch
But Satan instructs his angels to keep ships that he endured. called the meeting after priests had com-
us so busy, so rushed, so confident of "If we suffer, we shall also reign plained that "pestering preachers" were cir-
our own strength, that often we feel with him" (2 Tim. 2:12). culating in town and villages "trying to at-
no need of unlocking heaven's store- "Though he were a Son, yet tract people to their ideas and thus causing
confusion." The meeting urged Orthodox
house until pain or distress turns learned he obedience by the things parish priests to establish more frequent con-
our eyes upward. which he suffered" (Heb. 5:8). tacts with the parishioners so they could alert
Miracles are wrought by the paint- "Forasmuch then as Christ hath them against the attempts by the sects to
brush of the artist Pain. It puts deli- "create a split among the faithful." Serbian
cate tints on the character flowers in Orthodox bishops have recently issued warn-
God's garden of prospective saints. ings gainst the activities of the sects. They
made particular mention of Seventh-day
The other day I called on an elderly
Adventists.
woman once of restless, vivacious Wonderful Saviour
energy but now confined to her bed.
As I looked down into a face of sweet, By ERNEST L. SHEI.DON Archbishop Cushing Credited as
Inspiration for Hoover Book
smiling, patient beauty, I seemed to
Wonderful Saviour, from glory He came
see a lily that surpassed Solomon in
Down to the depths of our sin and our Roman Catholic Archbishop Richard J.
all his glory, and I came away with
shame. Cushing of Boston was credited by J. Edgar
the gift of her words: "It may be I Wonderful life of the one perfect Man, Hoover as the inspiration of the FBI direc-
can help someone by just bearing my Sinless and pure as in God's perfect plan. tor's new book, Masters of Deceit. The prelate
cross patiently and thankfully." Wonderful mercy, compassion, and grace, received an advance copy of the new book
"The fact that we are called upon The glory of heaven revealed in His face. with a handwritten inscription from the
to endure trial proves that the Lord author. The book is described by the pub-
Jesus sees in us something very pre- Wonderful Healer of body and soul; lisher as "a firsthand account of American
cious, which He desires to develop. Whatever the sickness, His word made them Communism from its beginning to the pres-
whole. ent, written by a man more intimately fa-
. . . Christ does not cast worthless
Yes, wonderful still in the Garden alone, miliar with the complete story than any
stones into His furnace. It is valuable Wonderful love for our sins to atone. other American."
ore that He tests."—Ibid., vol. 7, p.
Sacred the cross where for sinners He died,
214. "And though the Lord give you Wonderful death of our Lord crucified. Baptist Alliance President to
the bread of adversity, and the water
Visit Colombia
of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers Wonderful triumph when Jesus arose,
be removed into a corner any more, Victory gained o'er the last of His foes. Dr. Theodore F. Adams, president of the
but thine eyes shall see thy teachers" Ascended to heaven, He now intercedes Baptist World Alliance, with headquarters in
(Isa. 30:20). For us in the judgment, His own blood He Washington, D.C., announced plans to visit
Strange that pain can succeed pleads. Colombia, April 15-21, in the interest of
where riches, honor, praise, and pop- Wonderful Name that avails when we pray, religion:: liberty. Dr. Adams, who is pastor
Blessed assurance of help day by day. of the Richmond, Virginia, First Baptist
ularity fail! How glad our Maker
church and head of the world Baptist organ-
would be if He could use only the
Wonderful Saviour abiding within, ization since its last congress in London in
above instruments' to fit us for a life
Victory gaining in us over sin. 1955, said he planned to talk not only with
of bliss, for all use of pain and trial And soon we shall see Him in glory appear; Baptists but with leaders of other evangelical
also means heartache for Him. But Wonderful day is the day drawing near; groups and government officials in Colombia
we do not respond to certain influ- With Him to dwell in the mansions above, in an effort to acquire full information on the
ences or catch the necessary vision Eternally saved by His wonderful love. status of religious liberty there.
(cid:9)
6 REVIEW AND HERALD
suffered for us in the flesh, arm your- you, as though some strange thing was published at Saratoga Springs,
selves likewise with the same mind: happened unto you: but rejoice, in- New York:
for he that hath suffered in the flesh asmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's
"Lo! it comes, the morn of gladness!
hath ceased from sin" (1 Peter 4:1). sufferings; that, when his glory shall
We its dawning light descry;
"Beloved, think it not strange con- be revealed, ye may be glad also with
Flee the shades of grief and sadness,
cerning the fiery trial which is to try exceeding joy" (verses 12, 13).
Glory gilds the eastern sky.
Dry for aye the tear of sorrow,
All the night of weeping past!
Three Sisters From Paris Hail, the bright unending morrow,
Long expected—come at last!"
Harriet became connected with our
By Clifton L. Taylor publishing work while the Review
and Herald office was in Rochester,
New York. There she became ac-
Not from gay, glittering Paris in for his health was quite broken from quainted with the young man who was
France, but from' staid old Paris in overwork in the ministry. later to serve so many years as editor
Maine three girls came—Angeline, Of this marriage A. W. Spalding of our church paper, Uriah Smith.
Harriet, and Frances. wrote in his excellent history, Cap- After the Review office was moved to
The object of this article may be tains of the Host, pages 255, 256, Battle Creek, Michigan, she re-
stated briefly: To introduce the read- "Angeline Stevens, his bride, was a entered the work there in the spring
ers of the REVIEW to one of the earli- brave lass to undertake to hold back of 1857. In the summer of that same
est Adventist families in the State of from the grave such a wreck as John year she was married to Uriah Smith.
Maine. And why not? Every American Andrews describes himself to have It was a happy home, blessed with
knows all about the boy who could been." Much unwritten history of four sons and one daughter. Sorrow
not tell a lie, is acquainted with the work, patient nursing care, and good came in 1903, with the sudden death
stories about the giant rail splitter home comfort lies behind the simple of her husband. She survived him by
from Kentucky, and knows consider- statement: His life was saved. Elder eight years.
able about the sprightly Dolly Madi- Andrews returned to the ministry and Youngest of the three sisters from
son. Students of the Bible are famil- never put off the armor until his death Paris was Frances Jennette. She ac-
iar with the appearance and charac- in Switzerland in 1883. companied her parents to Waukon,
teristics of those famous twins, Jacob Angeline had the satisfaction of see- Iowa, in 1856. In this little colony of
and Esau, with the tender tale of ing her husband make a great success Adventists she met the young man of
Ruth and Naomi, with talkative Pe- of his calling to the ministry. He her choice, John P. Farnsworth. It
ter and cautious Thomas. So why served as president of the General seems to have been the way of these
should not Seventh-day Adventists to- Conference from 1867 to 1869. We sisters to choose wisely from the best
day be well acquainted with the pio- may never know the details of what characters of their acquaintance, for
neer Adventists of yesteryear? Let us his incessant labor and singlehearted John Farnsworth was the son of Wil-
look back a little, and meet these devotion to duty in the cause of God liam Farnsworth of Washington, New
maidens who became mothers of the cost his wife in hard work and nerv- Hampshire, a strong pioneer in Sab-
first generation of Seventh-day Ad- ous strain. We can only guess, know- bathkeeping.
ventists. First of all, their parents. ing conditions as they were then. Fol- Theirs was a happy home, a de-
Cyprian Stevens and his good wife lowing her death in 1872 from para- voutly Christian place of prayer and
Almira were among the very first Sab- lytic shock, Elder Andrews wrote in good works. Brother Farnsworth was
hathkeepers in Maine, having em- the REVIEW: "She faithfully shared my a farmer, a strong supporter of the
braced the truth in 1845, the same burdens, and that to an extent that cause. It is sad to record that their
year as did Joseph Bates. They had was little known to others. I here bear happiness was to last only four years.
accepted the teachings of William record to the fact that she has done The marriage took place in 1864; in
Miller in 1842, and when the disap- the utmost in her power to help me to 1868 the young wife died, leaving a
pointment came in 1844 had refused go out to labor in the cause of God, twelve-day-old son.
to give up their faith. It was Cyprian and has never once complained when From the meager details we have
Stevens who with his neighbor Ed- I have remained long absent."—April concerning these three quiet, unas-
ward Andrews had raised money to 2, 1872. suming Christian women, we can tell
pay for the first tent to be used in Harriet was the second daughter of little about them, except as we ob-
evangelism by our people in the State Cyprian and Almira Stevens. Her serve the achievements of their hus-
of Maine. That was in 1855. Less than thirteenth birthday was on October bands. They were content to be silent
a year later, Cyprian Stevens, with his 21, 1844. On the very next day came partners in the evangelism of John
family, joined the westward migration the great disappointment to the tens Andrews, the publishing work of
of Adventists, settling in Waukon, of thousands who were expecting the Uriah Smith, or the diligent toil of
Iowa. return of their Lord on October 22. Farmer Farnsworth. Never, so far as
Eldest of the three Stevens children Since her parents were Millerites, "the we know, did they complain or feel
was Angeline, aged twenty-one when scenes and experiences of that time their own lives unfulfilled, but they
her people went to Iowa. Soon after- were indelibly impressed upon her made a happy home paramount to all
ward the Andrews family of Paris, mind."—The Review and Herald, other interests, thus setting their hus-
Maine, also moved to Waukon. We March 30, 1911, p. 23. bands' creative abilities free to work
have no record of how John Andrews During the time that the REVIEW for God.
and Angeline Stevens became ac- was published in her home town of Because of the debt every man owes
quainted. Perhaps they had been Paris, Maine, she contributed a long his wife for her share in his success, we
schoolmates back in their old home poem in blank verse about the Sab- shall do well to remember the three
town. We know only that they were bath. Following are the last lines of a sisters from Paris—Angeline, Harriet,
married in the autumn of 1856. John five-stanza poem that she composed and Frances Jennette Stevens, of Paris,
was hardly a good matrimonial risk, for the REVIEW a little later, when it Maine.
APRIL 3, 1958 7
Watch the Sunday Movement 563-581) and "The Coming Crisis" in Testimonies, volume
5 (pp. 449-454). Let us keep one eye fixed on the sure
word of prophecy and the other on the steady trend of
Recent months have witnessed an unprecedented events taking place about us, that, knowing where we are
avalanche of efforts to compel the American public to in the stream of time and whither we are tending, we can
honor Sunday as a day of rest. Each day there comes to tell better what to do and how to do it. Also, let us
our desk a sheaf of dispatches from the Religious News pray for wisdom to conduct ourselves in harmony with
Service, an organization that gathers and disseminates God's will as we enter upon the closing crisis of earth's
information on Protestant, Jewish, and Catholic activ- history.(cid:9) R. F. C.
ities in the United States and around the world. With-
out fail, in recent weeks every daily RNS release has
contained one or more items of news on attempts in
You and the Coming General Conference-2
various parts of this country to exalt Sunday and to
compel recognition of it. Occasionally there are as many More Proofs but Less Ardor
as five or six such items.
Three aspects of the present crusade for Sunday are
of particular significance to Seventh-day Adventists. The We wish to expand further the thought presented here
first of these is the insistent, persistent, and widespread last week, that it is a serious and solemn thing to be a
pressure back of the present campaign. It is developing Seventh-day Adventist today. The reason? "Unto whom-
rapidly in tempo and intensity. Second, we note that for soever much is given, of him shall much be required."
the first time the Roman Catholic hierarchy in the Has any religious movement before us had so great a mes-
United States is uniting with Protestant clergymen in sage placed in its charge? We think not. Ours is the mes-
a coordinated endeavor to secure Sunday legislation. sage of the end of all things, the close of probation for all
Third, we observe that organized labor is everywhere, men, the conclusion of a great tragedy, the climax of a
and for the first time, actively backing the Sunday mighty plan of God. Great was the announcement of the
movement. First Advent. Surely greater still is the announcement
It appears that these three forces—Protestantism, Ca- of the Second, for the Second brings to fruition the great
tholicism, and the labor movement—have joined in a investment made at the First: "So Christ was once offered
concerted effort on a national scale to secure their ob- to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for
jectives with regard to Sunday. We do not say that this him shall he appear the second time without sin unto
necessarily reflects a high-level, behind-the-scenes con- salvation" (Heb. 9:28).
spiracy on their part, but we do affirm that it would be Do we need any more evidence than we now possess
difficult to imagine a more consistent pattern of coop- to persuade us that we are preaching the truth and not
eration on so widespread a scale if there were, indeed, fable when we preach the prophecies on the nearness of
such a conspiracy. However this may be, recent develop- the day of the Lord? The answer again must be No. How
ments convince us that a sinister force is actively at work amazing have been the developments in these recent
behind the scenes in this country to rob America of its decades. How startlingly they have supported what the
priceless heritage of religious freedom. pioneers of the Advent Movement declared would de-
Like his predecessor, the present Secretary of Labor velop. When the pioneers preached, men laughed. When
is a Roman Catholic. According to yesterday's news we preach, no one laughs. Sometimes it is because people
dispatches the present Secretary, James P. Mitchell, told are too frightened by what the scientists have said, to
the annual congress of the New York-New Jersey region feel like laughing. Sometimes it is simply because the
of the National Federation of Catholic Students, "It's evidence all around in the world makes our declarations
time that Christians, particularly Catholics, come out sound anything but laughable. There is only one great
of their ghetto and get to work in the world" and re- event remaining to be fulfilled—the climactic event of
ferred to the "kind of society envisioned by Pope Leo XIII the Advent. True, there are some prophetic features that
and his spiritual heirs" as the ideal toward which lie in between, but not many, and these could develop
American Catholics should strive. Another Catholic very rapidly today.
labor leader is reported in yesterday's dispatches as urging Here we are as a people who started out with all the
a labor convocation at St. Benedict's College in Atchison, great time prophecies fulfilled, and now witness the
Kansas, to maintain "the historic kinship between the moment when virtually all the other prophecies con-
[Catholic] Church and labor in the U.S." cerning the end of time have been fulfilled. If ever there
Inspiration has foretold the very situation we now was a people who lived on borrowed time, we are that
see taking shape. We read that "the Sabbath question people. By our own preaching, by the logic of our own
is to be the issue in the great final conflict in which all interpretation of Scripture, we are borrowing right now
the world will act a part" (Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 352), a little time from eternity, drawing day by day on the
that in this conflict Catholics will unite with Protestants bank of God's long-suffering.
to enforce Sunday observance, and that the eventual Ever and anon the headlines of the newspapers seem
national decree enforcing Sunday is to be a sign that "the to underline all that we have said, all that we have
end is near" (ibid., vol. 5, p. 451). We consider it appro- anticipated. With the whole world in such an explosive
priate to suggest that every Seventh-day Adventist review ferment, there seems only one explanation why we are
most carefully such passages as the chapters entitled not in the throes of a final war of mutual destruction—
"Aims of the Papacy" in The Great Controversy (pp. the angels of heaven are holding the four winds of strife
8 REVIEW AND HERALD
till the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. desire to stir up the hearts of our people to do a work of
How sobering a thought that we today witness the con- inquisition for themselves, to examine themselves
tinuing miracle of God's holding back world destruction whether they be in the faith. None of us will ever reach
—holding it back because we have not yet completed the heaven by accident. We shall never attain to the heights
work that we are commissioned to do. on the momentum of those around us. How true the
There is something equally sobering on which we words of our Lord, "Watch ye therefore, and pray always,
ought to focus our thoughts. We today have overwhelm- that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these
ing evidence that the prophetic preaching of the Advent things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the
pioneers is coming true. We live in the last hours of Son of man."
earth's history, as they declared we indeed were facing. Sometimes an Adventist preacher is chided for speak-
We have reasons for faith in the Advent preaching be- ing too earnestly and solemnly when he calls on the Ad-
yond anything they could have hoped for. But, paradox- vent believers to have more serious, meditative concern
ically, we act and speak with definitely less consciousness for their souls. We would escape this charge and still ful-
of the immediacy of the Advent than did the pioneers. fill our solemn duty by the simple expedient of laying the
That paradox ought to give us pause and lead us to make responsibility upon our Lord and the holy prophets and
a new appraisal of the quality and vitality of our Advent the apostles. We would quote their words. Indeed, no
hope. To the extent that our vision and conviction of one can read the words of Holy Writ that deal with the
the nearness of the Advent dims in our mind, to that day of the Lord without coming to a new and most
extent the significance of the Advent Movement departs. solemn conclusion, that there must be great preparation
No wonder the devil works so untiringly to dull the edge in order to stand.
of our conviction. No wonder our Lord uttered the Is it a light thing to walk toward the day when the
warning: heavens shall open and the Son of man appear in un-
"Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts veiled glory? Is it something casual, the coming of the
be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and angels from above to gather God's elect from the four
cares of this life, and so that day come upon you un- corners of the earth? When that great day does come,
awares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell there will be those who in terror flee, crying out: "The
on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to
pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape stand?" (Rev. 6:17). But we are a people who declare
all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand be- that we are making ready to stand. What an amazing
fore the Son of man" (Luke 21:34-36). declaration to make. How well are we supporting it
by the pattern of our living day by day? What do we do
The Warning Is for Us
with our free hours as regards social activities, entertain-
This warning is addressed not to the world but to the ments, and pleasures?
church. There was no need that our Lord should tell His
"What's Wrong in This?"
disciples that the end would come upon all the world un-
awares. No, the warning is plainly to the household of How often do we hear the question raised by many
faith, the people of God, the Advent people in the year who are young—and by too many who are not so young
1958, to be painfully explicit. For us there is the danger —"What's wrong in this?" "This" may refer to any one
that this great day, the occasion for all of our hope and of a number of social activities, entertainments, or sports
all of our preachings, might come upon us unawares. that are widely accepted in the world all about us, but
What an appalling thought! If we had invented this which the Advent Movement has traditionally either
thought as a speculation, we might well pardon our viewed with misgivings or has openly condemned. Now
readers for spurning the idea. Why should the people of it is no proof that God is not with us because many of us
God, preaching the prophecies of the day of the Lord, are tempted to ask this question. Fortunately, tempta-
have that day come upon them unawares? Unreasonable tion is not sin. But how quickly temptation can produce
it sounds, exceedingly so. But this thought is no human sin, unless we are watchful unto prayer and constantly
speculation. It is the word of our Lord, a word on which conscious that the successful traveling of the road to
we ought to spend more time and thought. We are the heaven does not permit us to turn aside to this, that, or
people above all others to whom it applies, and the the other social diversion, entertainment, or sport. An
nearer we come to the day of the Lord, the more timely aged saint wrote us not long ago telling of his joyous
the warning is. journey toward the kingdom, of the singleness of his
Our Lord gave two major reasons why His coming determination to reach the gates of heaven. He remarked
might overtake us as a thief in the night. The first could that as he journeyed up the road toward the kingdom, he
be "surfeiting, and drunkenness." We believe these words had never found any side path safe enough for him to
should be understood as descriptive of an attitude of travel. How true.(cid:9) F. D. N.
pleasure-seeking in general, of concern for creature com- (To be continued)
forts, of inattention to heavenly things. Is there danger
that some of us might fall before this temptation? If not,
Thoughts on Easter
then pray tell, why did our Lord give the warning? May
God protect us from the delusion of the ancient Pharisees
that because we belong to the people of God we are auto- Each year as Easter approaches, a large number of
matically protected from the temptations of the devil. Seventh-day Adventists wonder what should be their at-
We are not. Rather is it true that the devil is tremen- titude toward this annual religious holiday. Should they
dously interested to employ every devious variety of denounce it? Should they ignore it? Should they enter
temptation upon those who make any profession of obe- into it with certain reservations?
dience to God. One thing is certain—of all Christian peoples, none
believe more wholeheartedly in the resurrection of Christ
What of Your Free Hours?
than do Seventh-day Adventists. With certainty they
Are there those among us whose free hours are devoted proclaim the joyful news that the power of death has
to pleasure, diversion, entertainment? Let each one an- been broken by the risen Saviour. They believe in the
swer for himself. We have no desire to be an inquisitor. living Christ who as a great high priest "ever liveth to
God forbid. But we do have a very great and growing make intercession for them" (Heb. 7:25). And they look
APRIL 3, 1958 9
forward with eager anticipation to the Second Advent, became the symbol of the Resurrection of Christ to the
when as King of kings and Lord of lords Christ shall re- people of the early Christian Church."—EuAs G. KARim
turn in power for His people. in Pulpit Digest, April, 1957.
With the living Christ so much the center of their be- Who is the author of religious practices that have in-
liefs, should Seventh-day Adventists, then, join other sidiously made their way into Christianity from pagan-
Christian bodies in officially celebrating Easter? We ism? Satan, the mortal enemy of Christ. Through the
think the answer must be No. In the first place Adventists adulteration of truth, through compromise, and through
hold that the Bible is the one supreme guide of faith introducing heathen customs into the church, Satan has
and practice. Inspiration, not tradition, must be the ever sought to obscure the way of holiness. Images in.
authority for their every teaching and belief. the Roman Church, the custom of sprinkling instead of
Did Christ ask Christians to memorialize His resur- baptism by immersion, and Sunday instead of the true
rection by celebrating Easter? He did not. He did com- Sabbath—all show how well he has succeeded.
mand them to be baptized "in the name of the Father,
The Call to Be Separate
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 28:19).
And the apostle Paul makes it clear that this rite is a Sometimes the question is raised: "Why should not
likeness of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Seventh-day Adventists adopt religious customs that are
Lord (see Rom. 6:3-11). Baptism by immersion is a apparently harmless even if they are not commanded in
public witness that the old man of sin is dead, and as he the Scriptures?" One danger of such a course would be
is buried in the waters of baptism, the Christian rises to that the church might go on adopting one "apparently
live a new life in Christ Jesus. Baptism is the true me- harmless" practice after another until the only outstand-
morial of Christ's resurrection, the only memorial of this ing difference between the remnant and Christendom in
great event acknowledged by the disciples. According to general would be the observance of Saturday as the Sab-
the Encyclopaedia Britannica (1945), "There is no in- bath. Would that please God? We think not. God's peo-
dication of the observance of the Easter festival in the ple anciently were to differ sharply from the nations
New Testament, or in the writings of the apostolic around them. The same must be true today. Heaven's
Fathers."—Volume 7, p. 859, art. "Easter." call is to "come out" from Babylon, and this call involves
Since Easter was not originated by Christ or His in- a separation from all of Babylon's man-made religious
spired apostles, obviously it must have been originated customs. This does not mean that children should be
by uninspired—though perhaps well-meaning—men. denied the pleasure of a tree at Christmastime or be for-
History shows this to be true. Moreover, even a cursory bidden to engage in the innocent fun of coloring eggs at
examination of the question brings forth overwhelming Easter; it does mean that no religious significance should
evidence that many of the customs now associated with be attached to these or other traditions commonly associ-
Easter were firmly rooted in paganism long before the ated with these holidays.
Christian Era. Few religionists make any, attempt to con- As Christ observes the intense religiosity of many
ceal this fact. professed followers at this season of the year, we wonder
Consider, for example, the Easter egg. Many devout whether He does not say: "This people draweth nigh
Christians wonder how eggs became associated with the unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their
beautiful resurrection story. One writer explains it like lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do
this: "The egg itself is a symbol of the Resurrection— worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of
while being dormant, it contains a new life sealed within men" (Matt. 15:8, 9).
its walls. The idea of the egg as a symbol of fertility and "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:
of renewed life goes way back to the ancient Egyptians 15), said Jesus. This is more important to Him than a
and Persians who had the custom of coloring and eating one-day-a-year acknowledgment of the resurrection
eggs during their spring festivities. One of the earliest truth. How much do we love Him? Enough to be separate
known uses of the egg in religion was in connection with from the world? Enough to let the risen Christ have His
the Egyptian sun-god Ra. . . . This ancient idea of the way in our lives not just one day a year but every mo-
significance of the egg as a symbol of new life readily ment throughout the 365?(cid:9) K. H. W.
"Investment" is a very popular term in this one who knows the way, keeps ahead, and
SABBATH SCHOOL
commercial age. It is the chief means of causes others to follow." A guide can know
financial profit to individuals and corpora- L r4 the way only by having been over it, and he
tions, and, of course, also involves risks of must keep ahead of those he is leading. Also
loss and even financial ruin. To Seventh-day confidence in his knowledge, ability, and
Adventists, the most important business on experience is essential to success in getting
earth is the Second Advent world-embracing the cooperation of those he leads. This
movement; its ultimate success is certain, principle applies to all features of church
and in it no investment can fail. It is the often nullified by the example set by the one work.
best and safest investment available. who gives it. There is a saying that "what In the seven divisions of the Sligo Sabbath
The Sabbath school Investment is one of you do makes so much noise I cannot hear school, Takoma Park, Maryland, the leaders
the methods of increasing the income for the what you say." This is often true in various and members are very cooperative in making-
proclamation of the gospel message through- features of missionary endeavor. the Investment program a success. Some of the
out the world, and in it more and more of our A pastor can hardly expect to persuade children's divisions pass the $1,000 goal each
people, old and young, are taking part. It others to arrive at Sabbath school on time if year, and the total for the entire Sabbath
has become an important source of income he is habitually late, or to attend if he is care- school has been increasing each year from
for the mission program of the church. less in this respect. His urging others to study $5,742.43 in 1952 to $9,050.45 in 1957. We are
By virtue of his position, the pastor is the the Sabbath school lesson will have but little hoping for $10,000 during the present year.
over-all leader in every branch of church weight if he does not study it himself. And Much of the credit for these accomplish-
work, and to him comes the divine counsel, his promotion of the Investment plan will ments goes to the general Investment leaders
"Be thou an example of the believers," or accomplish little unless he is wholeheartedly and their assistants in the various divisions.
"Be an example to your fellow Christians" behind it in actions as well as in words. It is wonderful what can be accomplished
(Weymouth). In fact, generally more is ac- Example, therefore, occupies first place in the when all work together in any project in the
complished by setting the right example than influence of a pastor in all church activities. Lord's work.(cid:9) TAYLOR G. BUNCH
in mere appeals from the pulpit. Counsel is There is a saying that "a true leader is Pastor, Sligo Church
(cid:9)
10 REVIEW AND HERALD