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THE General Conference convened again at 9 A. M., Tuesday, March 24. Prayer was offered by Elder U. Smith. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 232.1
A letter received from Elder E. H. Gates, of the missionary ship “Pitcairn,” was read before the Conference, by Elder Olsen. The letter is as follows:- GCDB March 25, 1891, page 232.2
PAPEETE, TAHITI, Jan. 25, 1891. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 232.3
Dear Brethren Olsen and White:- GCDB March 25, 1891, page 232.4
You will perhaps be surprised to hear from me again from this place. We did not expect to stay here so long when we first came here, but we see by this time that no very definite plans could be profitably laid when we were thousands of miles from the field of labor. You may consider this my report to the General Conference, if it gets there in time for the session. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 232.5
The longer we staid here, the more difficult field of labor we found it, on account of the general iniquity that abounds on every hand, and the intense prejudice that exists toward the principles of the present truth on the part of the majority of the English-speaking people. Our first effort was to get acquainted with the people, and to break down the prejudice if possible. For some time we said little or nothing concerning our peculiar doctrines. After a time, the people wanted to know if we were not going to have some meetings, and thought that the English church building here ought to be opened for us, but the trustees would not open it. So we got a house that belonged to a man who was a former American consul, and held a meeting on Sunday evening. But we could not keep out the natives, and they crowded in in such numbers that they disturbed our meeting to such an extent that we had to close it before the time of the meeting was half out. Then a French soldier and a German officer made such a disturbance by yelling out, that we could not go any further. But it all worked for good, for the best classes of the people sided with us, and showed their disapproval of such actions. We had the best class of people in the town at our meeting, among them the Chief Justice of the government here, and one of the other Judges. The American Consul was also present, and was completely disgusted with the treatment we received. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 232.6
As we saw that we could not hold meetings on shore to advantage, we appointed meetings on the vessel, and have held them there since. But the attendance has been quite small the greater part of the time, and we began to fear that we were going to see a failure. We mingled with the natives as much as we could, and, having some of the Pitcairn people with us, we got the most of them to look at us with favor. They treat us with the greatest of respect wherever we go on the island. One reason of this is the fact that they formerly kept the seventh day, but it was taken from them by the French when they assumed the protectorate over the island, some forty or fifty years ago. As soon as the natives learned that we and the Pitcairn people kept the Sabbath that they used to keep, they were immediately drawn to us. The reason they kept the seventh day as the Sabbath was that those who first came here and preached the gospel, came from England by way of Australia, on the other side of the day line, without changing the reckoning of the days on crossing the line. As we mingled with these natives, we felt our hearts drawn out to them, and felt a strong desire to do something to lift them out of their present condition. We could not speak their language, and they have no literature except the Bible. We saw that they are kind hearted and intelligent, but away down in the scale of morality on account of the influence of the French soldiers who are garrisoned here, and the poor example set by their spiritual teachers in the matter of liquor drinking. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 232.7
Not feeling that it was best to stay here long enough to learn the language so that we could teach the people, we offered daily prayer that the Lord would raise up some one to teach these poor souls. I had about made up my mind that the only way was to send a man here from home that could live among the people, learn the language, and teach them the truth. The little interest taken in the truth by the Europeans made us feel at times almost disheartened, and we questioned if we had not made a mistake in staying here. But just at that time the Lord began to work by showing us his power to help when we could do no more ourselves. About two weeks ago Brother Read was visiting one of the French ministers and showing him “Eden to Eden,” when one of the native preachers, or rather a half-caste, came in and manifested an interest in the book and desired to buy one. A day or two later, Brother Read went to his place in the country a few miles away from here, and delivered his book, and also sold him a “Thoughts.” Since that we have visited with him, held readings with him, and sold him other reading matter. This literature he has diligently studied, and as fast as the light comes to him, he receives and believes it. He has a congregation of about 200 natives, and is probably as good and reliable a man as lives on the island. He has talked with some of his congregation upon the truth, and they are deeply interested. Yesterday he and his family, and one of his deacons and his family, kept the Sabbath for the first time. He is very discreet, and shows great wisdom in his answers to those who oppose his new views. A few days ago the French minister who is over him in authority, tried to oppose his views, but had to give up his job as an unprofitable one. The French minister threatened to take away his credentials if he preached his views to the natives, but was answered that if he did so, it would be proof that his credentials were from man and not from God. The name of this minister is Paul Deane. He speaks English readily, his father being from the State of Maine in America. With this I send you a picture that we took of him and his wife, by which you will see that he is a fine looking and intelligent man. His wife, as you will see by the picture, is a full-blooded native, and cannot speak a word of English. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 232.8
There has for a long time been more or less antagonism between the natives and the French, on account of the usurpation of authority in the island by the latter, and for this among other reasons, the former take readily to the doctrines we teach. To-day we were told by a man of influence, that our views are making a stir all over the island. It will not be surprising if Mr. Deane takes his whole church with him. It does indeed seem that the isles that have waited for the law will readily receive it when it can be put plainly before them. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 234.1
On account of the leading position this island occupies among the different groups, we had not intended to make any stir here, but only to get on the good side of the ministers, hold a few meetings, get out our books, and then go to other fields, and let the good seed grow. “But what were we that we could withstand God?” But now it is evident that our plan was not God’s plan, but that there will yet be a stir here. Were it not that the French ministers here are disliked by the natives, I should greatly dread the result of a stir, but as it is, it looks as though the truth might carry the day, if it has a fair chance. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 234.2
On account of the opposition we as foreigners would get from the government if we should stay and preach, we have decided to leave here as soon as the San Francisco mail comes, and let Mr. Deane carry on the work as well as he can. Then we will return and assist him as he needs it. He is taking instruction nearly every day, and is learning rapidly. There is another favorable thing connected with his having accepted the truth. The natives have no books in their language except the Bible; and every one thinks if we had our publications translated into their language, large numbers of books could be sold. Mr. Deane has a brother on the island of Raiatea, one of the Society group, 130 miles from here, who is an educated man, and able to translate our books. That island is not yet under the power of the French, though they are working to that end now, and a man-of-war is prowling round there, trying to get possession of the island. The natives who have not sided with the French, are still keeping the seventh day. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 234.3
Mr. Deane has gladly consented to accompany us to Raiatea to labor for his brother. This will accomplish a two-fold purpose; first, by giving us an introduction to the leading men of the island, and secondly, by giving us time to impart instruction to Mr. Deane. He will then return to this place to labor for the natives. Raiatea was the place where such a wonderful work was done by John Williams in the early part of this century. From there we hope to go to the Island of Rurutu in the Austral group, as there are a few there who are related to the Pitcairn people. From there we will probably go to Raratonga and other islands in the Hervey group. It may be however that it will be well for us to stay at Raiatea and the islands in the same group till the first of April, as every one here advises us not to run the risk of going among the Hervey Islands till the hurricane season is over. Very few vessels venture to those islands at this time of the year, and we should not run unnecessary risks. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 234.4
There will probably be all the work we can do at the island mentioned, and at the islands of Borabora, Huahiene, and adjoining islands, for the next two months, if it seems best to stay there. Of course it may not be possible to get our books translated; but, if possible, I feel that it should be done, and am willing to invest a few hundred dollars in the enterprise, if others do not see fit to help. If our brethren who are hoarding up their wealth for the last days could only be here and see the poor natives starving for the bread of life, I believe some of them would loosen their purse strings a little. I have never had my soul drawn out to any people before as to these. Though our work here involves much suffering from sea-sickness, unsuitable food, and all manner of inconveniences not experienced at home, I have no desire to give it up and return home. I wish you might get our people to read the book entitled “Missionary Enterprises in the South Seas,” by John Williams. If they will read that book, they will get a better idea of life in these islands, than from any other book I know of. I will try to write a brief history of the introduction of Christianity in this island and the adjoining islands, for publication in the Review. But the book referred to will make the matter much clearer, as my articles will necessarily be brief. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 234.5
A glorious work was done on these islands in the first part of the century by the missionaries from England, but, on account of the corruptions introduced by the French, and the influence of the Jesuits, there is an almost general apostasy from the purity of the gospel. But why may we not expect that the Lord will work again as of old, in bringing the third angel’s message to the natives as well as others? In fact it is already being brought before the leading men of this Island. The King of Tahiti, Pomare V, lives here in Papeete, but has a residence near Mr. Deane’s, and attends his church. Of course he is scarcely more than a king in name, though he is surrounded by all the tokens of royalty. Mr. Deane has preached to him and his household on the prophecy of Daniel 2, and he has sent us an invitation to make him a visit at his country residence. He cannot speak English, but Mr. Deane will act as interpreter. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 234.6
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To-day we visited the king, and had a very pleasant visit. He received us very graciously, and was especially pleased with our singing from our own Hymn Book. Several members of the royal household were present, including the queen of Borabora, one of the islands of the leeward group. We presented him with a copy of “Daniel and the Revelation,” which greatly pleased him. Before we left, he gave us his picture, and the pictures of the kings and queens before him, from the reign of Pomare I. He requested that we let him have a prophetic chart, that he might frame it and hang it up in his house. Not having one that we could spare, we have ordered one from California. Of course, we may not do him any great amount of good, as the royal family have about the same ideas of the object of this life as have other royal families; but it will give us influence with the natives, who regard their king with great reverence. In a few days, he will visit our vessel, with other members of his house. He seems like a kind-hearted man, and is much interested in our views, as taught him by Mr. Deane. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 234.7
One of the chiefs of the island visited us a few days ago, and told us that he was going to keep the true Sabbath. Do not these things indicate that we must have our publications in the Tahitian language if possible? This language is understood by the people in the Tuamotu group, and in most of the other islands in this part of the ocean, and the natives generally have means with which to purchase books. I am satisfied that if they had the gospel preached to them in its purity, they would make as good Christians as can be found anywhere. They are simple hearted, and seem to have a childlike faith. Of course they need a great work done for them before they are what they ought to be, but that is no evidence that they cannot be made true hearted Christians. Most any people under the same circumstances would have done no better than they have done. Not having any literature or periodicals, they have to depend on their teachers, and will be just what their teachers make them. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 234.8
Now I want to say a word about missionary vessels. While our vessel is a fine sailor, and probably as safe a vessel as floats, there are, I believe, some serious defects in the make up of her interior. In the first place the cabin and galley should have been above the deck and not below. In our cabin the heat is almost intolerable in these tropical climates, especially when the vessel is not in motion. The galley being just ahead of the cabin adds to the heat, and makes our cabin like a Turkish bath room. Very little air comes into the cabin, and what we do get comes from that part of the ship which contains the bilge water, which does not tend to sweeten the air any. The result is that in the morning we feel as though we had been in a steam box during the night, and much of the time we get but little sleep. To you men who are strong, this may not seem to be a serious matter; but to us who at the best are physically weak, it means a good deal to be deprived of our rest every night for months, unfitting us as it does for the hard work that has to be done during the day. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.1
You may ask, “Why not sleep on deck?” We do that whenever we can, but some of the time we cannot do it, and some of our company never dare to do it. Some one may object that it is unsafe to have the cabin and galley on deck, as in a heavy sea there is danger of their being carried away, or being filled with water when a heavy sea is shipped. But I see that nearly every vessel in these seas has the cabin on deck, and find that there is no more danger to such vessels than to our old fashioned sweat box below the deck. We are willing to endure necessary sufferings, but would just a little rather not suffer what can just as well be avoided as not. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.2
If you ever build another vessel, I would also advise you to put in some auxiliary power. It is quite dangerous sailing among these islands with nothing but our sails to depend on. We have learned that the “Robert Logan,” which was dedicated in San Francisco a day or two before our vessel, has been wrecked already. A vessel was also wrecked a few days ago near one of the Hervey Islands, and fourteen persons lost, by being caught in one of the hurricanes that are so frequent at this time of the year. There being no good harbor at most of the islands, sail vessels are dashed on to the reefs every time the hurricanes take place. Much of the danger of getting onto the rocks would be avoided by having auxiliary power. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.3
FEBRUARY. Since writing the above the mail came from California, but brought nothing but some papers, for which we are very thankful, but would like to get some letters occasionally. I suppose Elder Haskell is somewhere on the Pacific, bound for America. The man whom we expected to meet at Raiatea is now here to visit his brother (the native minister), and we have had a chance to visit with him. We cannot tell yet what we can do with him, but we will do our best. He will return to Raiatea on our vessel next week, and he will do what he can to help us get a foot-hold at his island. He is favorable to the truth, and we hope for the best, but cannot tell what will be the result. We have thought if it is the best, we may get a part of the readings in “Bible Readings” translated into the Tahitian language, and printed for use of the people here. It would be comparatively easy to translate them without such great talent as would be required to translate our other books. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.4
We may be obliged to stay for a few weeks among the islands around Raiatea, as Capt. Marsh has decided that it is very unsafe to go to the Hervey Islands during the hurricane season. We are just cowards enough to want to keep away from those hurricanes that play such havoc with vessels; but if we find that we can not profitably spend so much time in the leeward islands (as they are called), we will, rather than waste our time, run the risk of going to the Hervey group in spite of the storms. We have some encouragement that we may get a foot-hold at those islands. Yesterday I found two ladies that have attended our meetings, who have decided to keep the Sabbath. One of them was the interpreter for the queen of Huahiene, one of the leeward islands, and with the queen was banished to this island by the French, for protesting against the occupancy of her island by them. This lady has written to her mother, a lady in good circumstances at Huahiene, to investigate the truth, and buy our books, and to give us a kind reception on our arrival. As her mother seems to be a person of some influence, it will be a good help to us to have her favor. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.5
Our course from Raiatea will probably be to Rurutu in the Austral group, then to the Hervey Islands, and from there to the Tonga Islands, Samoa, Fiji, and Norfolk. By taking this course, we take advantage of the steady trade winds, which will favor us all the way. We go from this place with courage to believe that God will accompany us in all our wanderings, and that many will rejoice through eternity because the “Pitcairn” has been sent out. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.6
We hope all will remember this missionary enterprise whenever they pray to God. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.7
With much love I remain, GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.8
Yours in Christ,
E. H. GATES.
The Committee on Resolutions presented the following report:- GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.9
Whereas, The Sanitarium has made an appropriation for the purpose of assisting in the education of young men and women as medical missionaries for home and foreign work; therefore, - GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.10
Resolved, That a special effort should be made in each Conference to secure suitable persons to enter upon the missionary course of study and preparation at the Sanitarium. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.11
The report of the Committee on Education, found on page 193 of the BULLETIN, relating to starting a school in General Conference District No. 2, was taken up. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.12
Prof. Prescott stated that the Committee had no definite plan in mind for the starting of such school, but that they thought it proper that steps be taken toward the establishment of a school at some point in the South. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.13
Elder J. G. Wood stated that some of the brethren in Arkansas had asked if the Arkansas Conference could not be released from the Lincoln College enterprise and give their support to the establishment of a school in the South. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.14
Elder S. H. Lane also spoke in favor of the recommendation. He thought that the establishment of a college at a suitable location in the South would be one of the grandest missionary enterprises we could undertake. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.15
The recommendation was adopted. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.16
Before the Conference adjourned, Dr. J. H. Kellogg requested the privilege of introducing some resolutions in regard to the matter of healthful living, and the relation of our people to the subject. They were read and ordered printed on slips at once, to be distributed before the close of the next meeting for the consideration of the delegates. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 235.17
The consideration of these resolutions was made the special order of business for 3 o’clock P. M. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.1
The partial reports of the Committee on Distribution of Labor (see BULLETIN, pp.175,193), were next brought up for consideration. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.2
Recommendations 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 were so amended as to include the presidency of the State Tract Society. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.3
Recommendation 5 was amended so as to read, “That Elder J. G. Wood go to Ohio and take the place on the Ohio Conference Committee made vacant by the removal of Elder O. J. Mason.” GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.4
Recommendation 11 was stricken from the list. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.5
At this point the Conference adjourned for a recess of fifteen minutes. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.6
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THE Conference again assembled at eleven o’clock A. M. Elder Haskell offered prayer, after which the business was taken up where it was left off at the close of the last meeting. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.7
Recommendation 13 was referred back to the committee. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.8
The report as amended was unanimously adopted. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.9
The further report of the same committee (see BULLETIN p.193) was then taken up. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.10
Elder Olsen spoke to recommendation 16. South Africa is a very important field. Since it was decided by the Foreign Mission Board for Elder Boyd to return to this country, much time has been devoted to considering who should take his place in that field. Elder Porter’s name has been considered from time to time, and the fact that he had important responsibilities resting on him here has alone stood in the way of the decision being made by the Foreign Mission Board. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.11
Elder Porter stated that he would like to talk further with the committee before the recommendation is acted on. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.12
Recommendations 16 and 17 were therefore referred back to the committee. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.13
Recommendation 18 was stricken from the report, as the names had already been acted on. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.14
Recommendation 22 was referred back to the committee. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.15
The report as amended was then adopted. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.16
The report of the Committee on Nominations was next taken up. The nominations for the Executive Committee of the Conference, with the exception of the first two names, were referred back to the committee. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.17
The portion of the report referring to the Committee on Foreign Missions, was referred back to the Committee. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.18
The portion of the report recommending names for a Board of Trustees for the James White Memorial Home, was referred back to the Committee. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.19
The name of W. B. White was substituted for that of Z. Nicola on the Board of Managers for Union College. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.20
The name of E. J. Waggoner was substituted for that of W. C. White on the Board of Managers for the Central Bible School. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.21
The portion of the report not referred, was adopted as amended. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.22
The Committee on Resolutions submitted the following as a substitute for the resolutions pertaining to railroads, found on page 161 of the BULLETIN, referred back to that Committee:- GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.23
1. Resolved, That the Committee on Transportation issue a certificate to every minister and Bible worker of this denomination in this country, stating that they are entitled to the courtesy of clerical rates on the railroads. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.24
2. Resolved, That the managers of the railroads be informed of the action, and requested not to hold the denomination responsible when permits are granted to any person not holding such certificate. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.25
Adjourned to 3 P. M. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.26
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THE Conference was called to order at 3 P. M., Tuesday, March 24. Prayer was offered by Elder E. J. Waggoner. The following memorial from the Chicago West Side Sabbath-school was read:- GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.27
CHICAGO, ILL., March 21, 1891.
To the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Convened, Greeting:-
We, the members of the Chicago West Side Sabbath-school, desire to hereby express our gratitude to God for the gracious tokens of his love and care for his people and work, manifested toward you in very important and encouraging deliberations. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.28
As we have perused the highly prized columns of the DAILY BULLETIN, and read the tidings from the four continents, and the islands of the seas, our hearts have been filled with anxiety and sympathy for “those who sit in darkness,” and with Christian love and fellowship for the “burden bearers” of the cause of present truth. We feel that we have a deeper sense of the solemn responsibility resting upon us, than ever before. The “West Side” is a great field, and the evidences are many, that God has many souls here. Our courage in the Lord is good. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.29
The canvassing work is progressing, and is daily developing interested persons and encouraging circumstances. Laborers as missionaries to follow up the canvassing work are needed; and we greatly feel the need of a suitable and permanent place for meetings and missionary work. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.30
To-day, we looked upon one of those first periodicals, carried by our dear Brother White, in a hand satchel, to the Middletown, Conn., post office; and while we looked upon the work of the message in its present phase, no language seemed so appropriate to express our feelings as, “This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” GCDB March 25, 1891, page 236.31
Dear brethren, we feel that your prayers and the prayers of God’s people have been heard, and that as a precious reviving shower, His blessing has come to you, and spread abroad upon the thousands whom you represent. While all pray for you in your future work, we will, through grace, seek a closer walk with God, and a more fervent zeal in the cause of Christ our Lord. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.1
Your brother, for the school,
F. A. BUZZEL, Supt.
Accompanying the memorial was a copy of No. 1, Vol. 1. of The Present Truth, the first paper ever published by Seventh-day Adventists. This number was published at Middletown, Conn., and bears date of July, 1849. The little paper is about 6 by 9 inches in size, and contains eight pages of printed matter. The first article is on the subject of Present Truth. The second bears the heading, “The Weekly Sabbath Instituted at Creation and not at Sinai.” GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.2
Other articles bear such headlines as, “The Two Laws;” “The Law of Moses;” “The Law of God, or the Ten Commandments;” “The Two Laws in the New Testament.” From a personal appeal by the editor, Elder James White, we extract the following:- GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.3
Dear Brethren and Sisters:- GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.4
I hope this little sheet will afford you comfort and strength. Love and duty have compelled me to send it out to you. I know you must be rooted and built up in the present truth, or you will not stand “in the battle in the day of the Lord.” Ezekiel 13:5. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.5
The little sheet brings before our minds a whole volume in the history of the work with which we are now connected. That little paper was the beginning of the periodical work of the Seventh-day Adventists. It was carried to the post-office in a hand satchel, after having been dedicated to God by prayer. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.6
When we see the great advancement that has been made in the almost forty-two years that have elapsed since this paper was printed, we feel like thanking God and taking courage. But the battle is not over yet. The injunction of the editor quoted above, “You must be rooted and built up in the present truth, or you will not be able to stand ‘in the battle in the day of the Lord,’” is as true to-day as when published forty-two years ago. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.7
The special order for the hour, the consideration of the resolutions presented by Dr. Kellogg at the forenoon meeting, was proceeded with. The resolutions were spoken to by Dr. Kellogg, Elder Holser, L. McCoy, D. T. Jones, E. J. Waggoner, S. N. Haskell, J. O. Corliss, M. C. Wilcox, R. C. Porter, G. T. Wilson, and R. A. Underwood. The resolutions, as unanimously adopted, are as follows:- GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.8
1. Resolved, That we urge upon all our people the importance of a practical adoption of correct principles in diet, dress, and other habits of life which are taught in the Bible and the “Testimonies,” and also the recent work “Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene.” GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.9
2. Resolved, That our ministers and other public laborers should give more attention to this subject, and that they should prepare themselves to speak intelligently upon it, and especially should set the people a good example in their own habits of life. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.10
3. Resolved, That the managers of our health institutions should have the cordial support of all our people in their efforts to maintain a correct standard in these reforms as set forth in the “Testimonies.” GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.11
The report of the Committee on Finances (BULLETIN p.218) was taken up. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.12
Bro. Harmon Lindsay explained at some length the plan of making deeds in escrow, which consists in making a deed to a party who may be selected, and placing such deed in the hands of a third party, to be turned over, at the decease of the party of the first part, to the party to whom the conveyance is made; also “trusts,” which consist, as here used, in placing property (usually consisting of money, notes, bonds, mortgages, etc.) in the hands of a party who is legally constituted a trustee for the same, and instructing the trustee, in the legal papers, how to dispose of the same at the decease of the party making the trust. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.13
The report was adopted. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.14
The report of the Committee on Foreign Missions (p.219) was next taken up. Different points in the report were spoken to by W. C. White, H. P. Holser, W. W. Prescott. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.15
The preamble to Resolution 5 was amended to read, “Whereas, There are many books and periodicals which present much valuable missionary reading matter.” GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.16
The sixth resolution was amended to read “missionary societies,” instead of “mission bands.” GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.17
As amended, the report was adopted. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.18
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses presented the following report:- GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.19
Your Committee appointed on Credentials and Licenses would report the following names for your consideration:- GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.20
For Credentials - O. A. Olsen, Geo. I. Butler, S. N. Haskell, U. Smith, W. C. White, R. A. Underwood, R. M. Kilgore, E. W. Farnsworth, Dan. T. Jones, E. H. Gates, A. T. Robinson, Mrs. E. G. White, Alonzo T. Jones, E. J. Waggoner, John G. Matteson, D. T. Bourdeau, Henry Shultz, L. H. Crisler, B. F. Purdham, D. A. Robinson, C. L. Boyd, Ira J. Hankins, O. A. Johnson, J. W. Watt, H. W. Cottrell, W. W. Prescott, G. T. Wilson, C. M. Kinney, J. N. Loughborough, J. H. Durland, A. J. Breed, R. C. Porter, E. E. Miles, G. H. Derrick, A. J. Reed, F. M. Wilcox, W. H. Wakeham, A. O. Tait, A. P. Heacox. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.21
For License - W. A. Spicer, Frank Hope, Wm. Hutchinson, D. T. Shireman, Grant Adkins, P. T. Magan, W. A. Colcord, Eugene Williams, Charles Warren. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.22
Missionary Credentials - F. L. Mead, A. F. Harrison, J. E. Froom, W. R. Smith, Ellery Robinson, Z. Sherrig, J. I. Tay, A. La Rue, Mrs. J. W. Scoles, Mrs. H. W. Cottrell. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 237.23
We refer the name of A. Barry to the General Conference Committee; and all other names that may hereafter be presented for consideration. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.1
| R. A. UNDERWOOD, | ] | |
| R. S. DONNELL, | ] | Committee. |
| I. D. VAN HORN, | ] |
The Committee on Nominations reported on the matter referred back to them as follows:- GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.2
Committee on Foreign Missions - U. Smith, E. B. Miller, L. McCoy, C. Eldridge, L. C. Chadwick, H. Lindsay. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.3
Board of Trustees of James White Memorial Home - J. H. Kellogg, A. R. Henry, J. Fargo, L. McCoy, G. E. Tyszkiewicz, J. R. Palmer, L. C. Chadwick. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.4
Conference adjourned. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.5
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A SPECIAL meeting of the International Sabbath-school Association was called at the close of the Conference meeting, Tuesday, March 24, at 5:30 P. M. The minutes of the previous meeting were read, and, with one correction, approved. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.6
The report of the Committee on Nominations, as found on page 220 of the BULLETIN, was read. A motion was made to adopt the report by considering each office separately. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.7
Brother C. H. Jones gave some reasons why he would like to be released from the presidency of the Association. He felt a great interest in the work, but could not do justice to the cause on account of other important duties. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.8
Elder J. H. Durland spoke in a similar way. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.9
After remarks from some others, the report was adopted, each name being voted upon separately. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.10
The association then adjourned sine die. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.11
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TUESDAY, March 23, at 3 P. M., Elder Loughborough gave an address, continuing the subject of “Early Experiences.” He gave many interesting incidents in the early history of the cause, illustrating the self-sacrifice of the pioneers in the Sabbath and advent movement. The same spirit which they manifested must be manifested to the end by those who are faithful to the work. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.12
Elder Loughborough also spoke quite at length on some of the manifestations of the Spirit of prophecy in the first years of the cause. As these historical incidents do not readily lend themselves to abridgement, such as our space here would require, readers of the BULLETIN are referred to Elder Loughborough’s forthcoming work on this subject, which is, we understand, well under way. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.13
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AFTER the business meetings of the day were over, a large audience gathered in the Tabernacle at 6:30 P. M. before the evening service, to listen to the rehearsal of some songs from advanced pages of the forthcoming N. R. L. Association song book, “Songs of Freedom.” Brother F. E. Belden led the choir, and Prof. E. E. Barnes presided at the organ. The selections rendered consisted of quartets, solos, choruses, etc., and were evidently appreciated by all who heard them. The congregation by vote expressed their desire to hear more of the same if opportunity could be had for it before the Conference adjourned. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.14
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IN the report of the educational secretary, which appeared in the BULLETIN, it was stated that the department in ancient languages in Healdsburg College had been discontinued. Prof. Prescott asked the privilege of correcting this statement, as he had since received information that the department had not been discontinued, but has been continued with an increased attendance. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.15
THE book referred to in Elder E. H. Gates’ letter which appears in this number, entitled “Missionary Enterprises in the South Seas,” can be had by addressing the International Tract Society, Battle Creek, Mich. Price $1.25. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.16
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BY ELDER E. J. WAGGONER.
THIS is the last evening allotted to our Bible study, and it therefore seems proper that we should take a little review of the truths we have been considering. We shall find this review outlined in Revelation 14:6-12. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.17
“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” GCDB March 25, 1891, page 238.18
We are accustomed, and rightly so, to speak of these three messages as one threefold message. The word which is rendered “followed” means properly, “went with.” Thus rendered the text would read, “And the third angel went with them.” It is the same word that is used in 1 Corinthians 10:4, - “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual rock that went with them (margin), and that rock was Christ.” Thus the first angel sounded, the second joined him, and the third joined them both; and together they all three go sounding the message. There is therefore but one message for us to consider, and that one comprises all three. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 239.1
The message prepares a people who are described in the twelfth verse, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” There are three points which these people have, - patience; keeping the commandments; and the faith of Jesus. While they are all combined in one, I think we may consider them in a reverse order to that in which they are stated, - faith; obedience; and patience. For faith is the foundation upon which everything is built, and out of which everything grows. Faith that works obedience and the crowning grace is patience; for the apostle James says, “Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:4. When patience is perfected in the saints, then they themselves are perfect. So it is that this threefold message brings out a people who are perfect before God. They are just what the Saviour says they must be, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 239.2
Perhaps some in the audience have not realized the fact that the lessons we have been studying for the last dozen evenings on the book of Romans, have been nothing but the third angel’s message. I wish to show you this evening that the third angel’s message is all summed up in the preaching of the apostle Paul, as described in 1 Corinthians 2:2. “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” That was all that Paul preached, and that which he preached was powerful. He says, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.... And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” 1 Corinthians 2:1, 4. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 239.3
Now the things which Paul preached he describes in 1 Corinthians 1:17, 18: “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” Christ sent him to preach the gospel, and he did it, not using the wisdom of man’s words, in order that his preaching might not be disannulled. He says, “Lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” Then when Paul preached among the Corinthians, he preached nothing but Christ and him crucified, and that was the gospel. That gospel - the cross of Christ - is the power of God unto salvation unto every one that believeth. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 239.4
Now the question arises, Was this preaching of Paul’s anything like the third angel’s message, or the threefold message which is committed to us? Did his preaching differ from the preaching which we preach? If it differs, are we preaching what we ought to preach? In other words, should our preaching embrace anything more than what the apostle Paul had? If it does, then whatever it may be, we had better get rid of it as soon as we can. Now let us see why, - GCDB March 25, 1891, page 239.5
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” That is a strong statement, but he repeats it and emphasizes it, “As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8, 9. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 239.6
These words are not in vain, for there have been men that have preached other gospels, or other things for the gospel; and more than that, there have been angels who have preached other gospels, and other things for the gospel. We shall yet see those fallen angels coming to us and preaching that which they call the gospel, which will have a power with it, and which will be accompanied by dazzling light. But the things which they tell us, we are to pronounce false, and the one who preaches them to us, accursed; because it will differ in some particular from that which the apostle Paul preached. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 239.7
Leaving this point, we return to Revelation 14:6, where we read, “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to them that dwell on the earth, ... saying with a loud voice, Fear God and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come.” This is a work that prepares men for the last judgment, and consequently a work which carries everything for man’s perfection, as we saw by the twelfth verse. But that message is nothing more nor less than the everlasting gospel. The second angel went with the first, and the first accompanied them both, and all three together sounded one cry. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 239.8
The question arises, If the third angel came along and added his sound to the cry of the first and the second angel, do not we have something more to tell the world, than those who labored under the first message had? Well, we certainly can have nothing more to preach than the everlasting gospel. The second angel announces a fact, that Babylon is fallen, because of her apostasy from the gospel. Mark you, the second angel has no new truth to tell; merely a fact, that something has occurred. The third angel merely announces the punishment that will fall on the men who do differently from the truth announced by the first angel. But the first angel keeps sounding, and the three go together; and since the three keep sounding together, and the first is telling the everlasting gospel, - that which is to prepare men to stand blameless before God, - and the third angel is telling the punishment that will befall them if they do not receive the everlasting gospel, it necessarily follows that the entire threefold message is the everlasting gospel. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 240.1
Mark it, the first angel proclaims the everlasting gospel; the second proclaims the fall of every one who does not obey that gospel; and the third proclaims the punishment that will follow that fall, and come upon those who do not obey. So the third is all in the first, - the everlasting gospel. Yes, that everlasting gospel carries with it all truth. It is the power of God. That everlasting gospel, remember, is all summed up in one thing, - Jesus Christ and him crucified, and of course risen again. We have nothing else in this world to proclaim to the people, whether we be preachers, Bible workers, colporters, or canvassers, or simply people who in the humble sphere of their own home let the light shine. All that any of us can carry to the world is Jesus Christ and him crucified. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 240.2
Says one, That is taking an extreme view; are we going to throw away all the doctrines we have preached, - the state of the dead, the Sabbath, and the law, and the punishment of the wicked? Throw them away? - No; by no means. Preach them in season and out of season; but, nevertheless, preach nothing but Christ Jesus and him crucified. For if you preach those things without preaching Christ and him crucified, they are shorn of their power, for Paul says that Christ sent him to preach the gospel, not with words of man’s wisdom, lest the preaching of the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. The preaching of the cross, and that alone, is the power of God. I say again, the gospel is the power of God, and the cross is the center of the gospel. “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Galatians 6:14. To Paul there was nothing else worthy of glorying in, save the cross of Jesus Christ his Lord. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 240.3
We will now take up a few of the different lines of doctrine that we preach, and see how we may preach them, and at the same time preach only Christ and him crucified. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 240.4
And first, as to the doctrine of the Bible. The Bible is all doctrine. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” John 7:17. The word doctrine means “teaching.” Sometimes we get afraid of doctrine. We talk of doctrinal and practical sermons. But doctrine means teaching, and if any man do the will of God, he shall know the teaching. But teaching must be practical, or it is useless; then, brethren, the teaching of the Bible is all practical. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 240.5
Now if we do not know the doctrine of the Bible, we do not know how to practice what it teaches. If a thing is not practical, it is impractical. But we will not say the teaching of the Bible is impractical, something that cannot be practiced. So perhaps we can throw aside that distinction of doctrinal and practical sermons. A servant of God ought never to preach anything but practical sermons; but as all the teaching, or doctrine, of the Bible is practical, it is evident that in preaching really practical sermons, we must preach nothing but doctrine, and that doctrine must be the doctrine of Christ. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 240.6
Now as to the specific lines of doctrine in Christ. We will first consider the law. I have only to call your attention to the fact that Christ is in the law, and the law is in Christ, and that you cannot separate one from the other, to prove that the two go together, and that preaching the law without Christ in it, will have no power or effect on the hearts of men. Our study of the book of Romans has brought this plainly before your minds. We do not make void the law by faith, but it is only by faith in Christ that we establish the law in our hearts. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 240.7
The law condemns the sinner, and therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight. But it is by the obedience of one that many shall be made righteous, and that obedience can be made ours by faith in the word of God, and by making Christ ours. To make Christ ours is to bring him into our lives, and to have him in our lives is to have life eternal. Christ is the truth, and the law is in him in its perfection; and if we keep Christ in our hearts day by day, we have the law in our hearts in its perfection, so long as we do not waver. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 240.8
If we have Christ, he is our salvation; but we must have him every moment of our lives. One act of faith will not suffice for all time; “the just shall live by faith.” But we can live only one moment at a time; and since faith is our salvation, it is evident that we are saved moment by moment. There is no power in the law apart from Christ, and the preaching of the law without Christ in it, is simply preaching damnation to men, and not hope. But Christ has sent men as his ambassadors, to proclaim liberty to the captives, to tell them that they are prisoners of hope. Then are we preaching the preaching of Christ, are we carrying out his commission, if we preach the law, which only condemns, without Christ? No. We are to preach “hope.” While the law is held over the sinner with all the terrors of Sinai, he is to have his mind directed to, not simply the law, but to the giver of the law, who has GRACE as well as truth in himself. Truth and grace are in his hand, and when that truth condemns men, the grace that is held out by the same hand converts from sin. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 241.1
When men have Christ, they have his righteousness, which is the righteousness which the law demands. But the righteousness of Christ carries everything else with it, for he has said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. That is the one thing needful, and if we have it, we have the whole gospel, for it is Christ and his righteousness, and he is our righteousness, our salvation, and our life, both here and hereafter. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 241.2
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The particular truth that must be held up in these last days is the Sabbath. We cannot believe it or preach it too strongly. It is there that the great breach has been made in the law of God. Have you ever stopped to consider why it is that Satan has concentrated all his forces on that fourth commandment? The root of the whole matter is found in Hebrews 1:10. In speaking to the Son, God the Father says, “And, thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands.” GCDB March 25, 1891, page 241.3
Then when we read, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork,” we know that they simply manifest the power that there is in Christ. John says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:1-3. Everything that is made, is made by Christ. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 241.4
In Psalm 111:2-4, I read, “The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honorable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth forever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.” Literally, and according to the Jewish rendering of the Hebrew, the first part of verse 4, would be, “He hath made a memorial for his wonderful work.” What is his work? The heavens are his works, and he laid the foundations of the earth. I wish you to note that those three words, - righteousness, gracious, and compassion, are grouped together by the psalmist with these thoughts on the creation of the world. We shall see why, presently. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 241.5
What is the memorial of God? “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” Genesis 2:1-3. What then is the memorial? - The seventh day, which is the Sabbath. It is the crowning day of the week, a memorial of creation completed, - a creation in which the power of God’s word was manifested, “for he spake and it was; he commanded and it stood fast.” If you will just keep the word of God and the power of the word of God before your minds, it seems that you cannot fail to see why it is that David groups grace, compassion, and righteousness, all together with the works of God’s hands. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 241.6
It is the word of God that created the heavens and the earth. The Sabbath is the memorial which is given that we might commemorate, and meditate upon the power of God’s word. In Ezekiel 20:20 God says that the Sabbath is to be a “sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” Now mark, it is to be a sign so that we may know that the God of heaven is our God. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 241.7
Now turn to Jeremiah 10:10-12, and there we read, “But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: ... Thus shall ye say unto them, the gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. He that made the earth by his power, he hath established the earth by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.” Turn to Psalm 96:5 and there we read, “For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.” GCDB March 25, 1891, page 241.8
Now anything that will bring the mind of man to a knowledge of the fact, or that will recall the fact, that the God which we serve is the Creator, will also prove to us that all other gods are false gods. For the power to create is the distinctive attribute, it is the sole prerogative, of the God of heaven. He can create, and everything else that pretends to be worthy of worship is shown to be a false pretender because it cannot create. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 241.9
But why does God want us to remember him as God? What particular thing does God want us to have in mind when we think of him as God? The keynote to these questions is found in Hebrews 11:6: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” We must believe that God exists; and from that idea of existence, cannot be separated the idea of reward and help from the God that we believe exists. If we do not regard God as a rewarder, as a present help in trouble, we do not know him as God. If we do not know that he is exactly what he says he is, then we do not know him. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 242.1
Since the Sabbath is a memorial of God’s wonderful work of creation, and is given that we may know that he is God; therefore the Sabbath is given that we may know God as a rewarder, for he is not anything else but a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. This is conclusively proved in Ezekiel 20:12. “Moreover I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them.” Then the object of giving the Sabbath to man was that he might know that that God who gave it, was a God that sanctifies him. That idea of sanctification is the one we want to make prominent in this connection. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 242.2
It may be objected that the Sabbath was given before the fall of man, so that at the time it was given he was sanctified, and therefore did not need Christ to save him from sin. Adam was placed in the garden of Eden by the Lord. He lived in spotless purity, but he could keep that purity only by faith in God. It was the power of God that kept him. Adam did not live in himself. Yes, he did at last - and he fell. But just so long as he was kept from falling, it was by the power of God and the Word of God. Then he needed the power of God to keep him from falling, as he did afterwards, when he had fallen, to save him from the sins which he had committed, and to keep him from committing others. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 242.3
We make the same mistake regarding the time after probation is closed. We think that because there will be no mediator then, that we stand in our own strength. There will come a time when there will be no mediator; but those who stand at that time will not stand in their own strength, but in the power of Christ that will keep us at that time; because we will be without sin, we shall need no mediator, but we shall need a Saviour every moment. Christ is the one “who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:8. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 242.4
If Adam had never fallen, the Sabbath would have been there, as the memorial of the power of God to keep him from falling from the position and place in which God had made him. That is just exactly what the Sabbath is for now. It is to prove to us that God is our sanctification, and that he puts his righteousness on us and in us by the same word by which he made the heavens and the earth. Then the Sabbath is for the purpose that we may meditate upon the power of God, and to remember that that same power which made the earth, is the power that keeps us from sin unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 242.5
In Colossians 1:11-19 we read, “Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him; and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell.” GCDB March 25, 1891, page 242.6
The apostle presents Christ as the one through whom we have redemption, - why? Because by him were all things created. This thought will settle the objection that is so often raised in connection with the Sabbath, that redemption is greater than creation, because redemption is creation, and it is and can be nothing else. It is the same power, and the same thing. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the word of the Lord is righteousness declared in us. Speaking this universe into existence, was an act of creation, and speaking righteousness into the heart of man that has a wicked heart is also an act of creation. Christ is set before us as the Creator that we may know his power to redeem. And the way in which Christ is set before us is by the word of his power. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 242.7
The Sabbath day is the day that calls to remembrance God’s wonderful works. In that day we are to meditate more especially than upon any other day on the works of the hands of God. As upon that day we meditate upon the work of his hand, and the wonderful power that is exhibited in the universe, so also do we meditate upon his power to save us from sin, for it is the same power throughout. That is why children from their earliest years should be taught to look upon creation as the power of God. If this is done, principles will be embedded in their minds that no infidel sophistry can change. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 242.8
In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, Paul brings to view the power of faith to work righteousness; but you will notice that the opening thought expressed is, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.” Then by directing the minds of the young to the power of God in creating the universe, they will understand it by faith, and their minds will grasp the thought that the same one who made all they see, is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 243.1
How plain it is why Satan has massed all his forces against that fourth commandment; because it is the one above all others that brings to view the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Satan is antichrist, and he does not do anything in this world that is not directed against Christ. That is why he has covered up that fourth commandment, - that he may take the minds of men from God in Christ as Creator; because just so far as men lose sight of the creative power that there is vested in Christ, so will they lose sight of his power to redeem. So preach the Sabbath more and more, yet in so doing be sure that you preach Christ and him crucified as the Saviour from sin. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 243.2
“If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord.” Isaiah 58:13, 14. Then the keeping of the Sabbath perfectly, as God wants it kept, is to delight ourselves in the Lord; but this we cannot do if we do not know Christ, and make him our joy. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 243.3
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We will now consider the saints’ inheritance, and see if in that we cannot also preach Christ and him crucified. There was an inheritance promised to Abraham and his seed. It was promised to him and to his seed that they should be heirs to the world. That seed is Christ and all who are in Christ. The earnest, the pledge, of that inheritance is the Spirit of God. “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13, 14. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 243.4
The Spirit of God is the advance payment on our inheritance, and then Paul prays that “the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead.” GCDB March 25, 1891, page 243.5
The whole gospel has reference to the inheritance of the saints. That inheritance is obtained, not by the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ. If we are Christ’s, then are we heirs according to the promise. What is there in the preaching of the saints’ inheritance, if we do not carry with it Christ, as the one through whom that inheritance is obtained? He is the one “in whom we have obtained an inheritance.” The promise to Abraham was that in him should all the nations of the earth be blessed. In making that promise to Abraham, Paul says, that God preached the gospel unto him. See Galatians 3:8. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 243.6
Can we preach Christ in the resurrection? The resurrection goes with the promise of the inheritance. When God gave the promise to Abraham, he staggered not at it, but was fully persuaded that what God had promised he was able to perform. He had faith in God to raise the dead, and that faith was shown in perfection when he offered Isaac on the altar. So his belief in the promise was based on his belief in Christ as the resurrection and the life. In Christ is the law and the Sabbath; in him is the inheritance. Christ crucified and risen again is the means by which we can obtain that glorious home. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 243.7
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Can Christ be preached when we talk on the subject of the immortality of the soul? - Yes; for that is nothing else but life through Christ. Through Christ we have life, and there is no other way that we can get it. We may prove conclusively from the Bible that there is no consciousness in the grave, and that man is mortal, and still not have the true principle of the question of the immortality of the soul. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 243.8
Some say that when people understand that man is mortal, they are safe against spiritualism. Is that so? No; for many people have acknowledged that, and still have gone into spiritualism. Why? Because they did not have Christ in their doctrine. He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not Son hath not life. He that believeth the Son hath life, and he that believeth him not shall not see life. Christ has bought life for man, and we can have that life by believing his word. Aside from Christ there is no life, and aside from him we can have no life. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 243.9
In Ezekiel 13:22 we read: “Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way by promising him life.” The reason why men are fastened in their iniquities, and why they go down into perdition, is because they are promised life when there is no life for them as long as they remain in that sinful state. Darkness is going to cover the earth, and gross darkness the children of men, and it will be as it was before the flood, when all the imaginations of the hearts of men were only evil continually. It is because they believe that they will have life without Christ. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 243.10
Christ must be set forth as the only means of life, and that that life comes by faith, which is the only means of righteousness, that men may acknowledge “as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men to justification of life.” That life is the life of Christ. Those that are justified will be saved, and those that are not justified will be lost, and the only way that we can be justified is by the life of Christ. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 244.1
Therefore we preach justification through Christ - life in him, and death out of him. Then he that hath not the Son hath not life and shall not see life, and all that there remains for him to have is the everlasting death, the punishment of the wicked. Therefore it is impossible for us to present the question of the immortality of the soul in any other way but through Christ. If we do, it will not be accompanied by power; for nothing but the preaching of the cross is the power of God. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 244.2
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Now let us consider Spiritualism. It is true that a man may believe that men are mortal, and that they do not go to heaven at death; but if he does not know the power of that, he is not safe from Spiritualism. If he does not know the power of the life of Christ, there is nothing that will save him from the wiles of this terrible delusion. But if he does know the weakness of man, and that he has no life in himself, but that there is life in Christ, and that faith makes that life his own, then he has a safeguard. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 244.3
Did you ever know a man who believed that Scripture, “The dead know not anything,” to go off into Spiritualism? I presume you have, and I know that I have. Then if men who have known and believed that scripture, do go off into Spiritualism, there is no power in that belief that the dead do not know anything to keep them from Spiritualism. I have known men who have believed it and who have preached it; but they went off into Spiritualism. I have heard them preach it, and I have heard the same men afterward preach the most blasphemous Spiritualism. Then if the positive belief that man is mortal will keep men from the wiles of Spiritualism, why did those men go into it? Because they did not know the secret of life in Christ. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 244.4
Said Christ, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30. There is no half way measure. It is either Christ or Satan. It is Christ, or it is antichrist. Everything that is not for Christ, is what? against Christ. What does the word “antichrist” mean? - Against Christ. Then he that is not for Christ is antichrist, or he is actuated by the spirit of antichrist. “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Romans 8:9. Then if he has not the Spirit of Christ, what spirit must he have? He must have the spirit of antichrist. There are only two contending forces in the world, - the power of Christ, and the power of antichrist, - the Spirit of Christ and the spirit of antichrist. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 244.5
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in times past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.” Ephesians 2:1, 2. Who is the prince of the power of the air? - Satan. Then it is the spirit of Satan that actuates the children of disobedience. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 244.6
Then the fact that a man may acknowledge that man is mortal, will not save him from Spiritualism. He must acknowledge and know that Christ is our life, and that without him we have no life. To merely acknowledge it will do no good, he must know it by personal experience. Christ must live in him, and Christ alone, and then he will not be actuated by the spirit of antichrist, for the Saviour said that the prince of this world had no part in him. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 244.7
What is the secret of Spiritualism? - Separation from Christ; and every man who does not receive Christ, whether he professes to believe the Sabbath, the coming of the Lord, that man is mortal, - no matter whether he believes all that, - if he does not receive Christ into his own heart, sooner or later that man is bound to be carried away in this great deception of Satan. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 244.8
It is those who receive not the love of the truth to whom God will send strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believe not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Now it is possible for me to acknowledge all the different lines of present truth that are contained in the third angel’s message; but just so long as I have unrighteousness in my heart I have the seeds of Spiritualism there. All unrighteousness is the work of antichrist. Having unrighteousness, I have that by which Satan can work deceit in me. It is the “deceivableness of unrighteousness.” It is not the deceivableness of ignorance, but it is the deceivableness of unrighteousness. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 244.9
Then the sole source of safety lies in a belief in Christ as my life, and in justification by faith. It must be Jesus Christ and him crucified as our righteousness, our life, our joy, our everything that is to be desired; yea, more than can be desired, or even thought of, - the only one who can keep us from antichrist. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 245.1
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know we the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.” 1 John 1:2. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 245.2
Now what is it to confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh? To say so, - no, - to believe it for all that it is worth. What does it mean? God was manifest in the flesh; God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself. God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, that he might condemn sin in the flesh. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 245.3
Brethren, to acknowledge that Christ has come in the flesh, means that we must take Christ as he came in the flesh, and for all that he came in the flesh to do. He came in the flesh, that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, - that we might have his righteousness and his endless life. Every spirit that denieth Christ as the sole means of life and righteousness, is the spirit of antichrist. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 245.4
Now take your bearings and see where you are. Is it the spirit of Christ that works in us when we say that we are going to overcome if Christ will give us a little assistance? When we say that, we are going to have heaven by our own work, in part at least; we deny Christ, and deny that he is come in the flesh. That spirit is the spirit of antichrist working in us. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 245.5
In the papacy we recognize a form of antichrist. The secret of obtaining life as the papacy teaches it, is not Christ and his life, but penance, the monastery, and the Virgin Mary. So the spirit that leads a man into a monastery, and scourges the flesh, and does penance, is simply the logical outcome of the thought that we must do something to free ourselves from sin. It is the spirit that teaches that we cannot trust all to Christ, and let him work out our own righteousness for us. So everything that is not totally subject to Christ, is actuated by the spirit of antichrist. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 245.6
“Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:3, 4. We overcome antichrist only by having Christ in us. It is Christ first and last and all the time; Christ in the law, and the law in Christ; Christ in the Sabbath, as Lord of the Sabbath, because he made it, and because the Sabbath simply shows the power of the word of Christ, by which the heavens were made, and by which they are upheld. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 245.7
The power of the word of Christ also works righteousness in us. The preaching of the cross of Christ presents life and immortality to men. It is the preaching of the cross of Christ that warns men of destruction. It delivers us from the snares of the world, and gives us access into the grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. The preaching of that cross of Christ makes known to us all Christ wants us to know. It lays before us the glories of the saints’ inheritance, and it warns us of the perils of the last days. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 245.8
While we are loyal to the third angel’s message, and to all the doctrines that make us distinct from the world, let us determine to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified. It is the power of God unto salvation. It is the everlasting gospel, which shall prepare men for the judgment which is even now set. And oh, if that first angel declared, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come,” how much more should we declare that message, - the everlasting gospel, - now, when that judgment is not only come, but even now nearly done. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 245.9
I thank God that he is revealing the truths of his word to us, and that he has shown us that the third angel’s message is the whole gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord. Why do we know so much more about the word of God? Because God is revealing Christ to us, and in us. All we know of the power of Christ we know from the word, and by this we are made clean from sin. Our faith lays hold of Christ, and he becomes a reality in our own hearts and in our lives. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 245.10
When we have strong faith that Christ is abiding in us, we can go forth to work for others with power, and join our voices with those of the angels in heaven, and then the message will go with a loud cry. The reason that it has not gone with a loud cry is because we have not grasped it in its fullness. In the past many of us have not had that kernel of the message that it is all Christ. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 245.11
When we have Christ, we have everything, and we know the power that there is in him. Then we submit ourselves to him, and the power will rest upon us, and the word that we preach will go with power, and the loud cry of the third angel’s message will be here. I rejoice to night in the belief that the loud cry is now beginning. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 245.12
The grand consummation will soon be here, when Christ shall come. Then we shall see him, whom having not seen we love; in whom, though now we see him not, yet believing, we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. In that glad day we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 246.1
May God grant that that day may come soon. God grant that every one in this house may give their hearts to him, and be able to say, “Here am I, Lord, take me; I am thine, and thou art mine; use me, Lord, in thine own way, that thou mayest make known to the Gentiles through me the unsearchable riches of Christ. GCDB March 25, 1891, page 246.2