1898

"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." In the Word of God alone shall we find how to secure eternal life. We are not left to conjecture as to how we shall obtain it; we are to work out the statement made, and receive the truth into the heart. Religion that comes from God is the only religion that will lead to God. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." "And as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

The love of God revealed for man is beyond any human computation; it is infinite. And the human being who is a partaker of the divine nature will love as Christ loves, will work as he worked. The love that is inspired by the love we have for Jesus will see in every soul, rich or poor, a value that cannot be measured by human estimate. The world sinks into insignificance in comparison with the value of one soul. This love can exist, and be kept pure, refined, and holy, only through the love in the soul for Jesus Christ, nourished by daily communion with God. There will be an inborn compassion and sympathy which will not fail nor be discouraged. This is the spirit that should be encouraged to live in every heart, and be revealed in every life.

And the love of God in the heart, manifested in true, unselfish missionary labor, will be more mighty than the sword or courts of justice in dealing with the evildoer. Often the hearts of men will harden under rebuke, but they cannot withstand the love expressed toward them in Christ. The living missionary, with his heart overflowing with the love of God, can break down the barriers. The medical missionary, taking up his appointed work, can not only relieve bodily maladies, but through the love and grace of Christ, can heal the diseased soul, leprous with sin.

The Lord has enlisted every believing soul in his service, to bring the transgressor of his law back to obedience and loyalty to Christ. He will accept those who will devote themselves to him, to work with the combined influence of the heavenly, unfallen intelligences to restore the moral image of God in man. "We are laborers together with God," he declares; "ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." Bid the sinner have hope, and not feel that he is an outcast from his fellows. Reveal to the desperate, discouraged sufferer that he is a prisoner of hope. Let your message be, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Present before men in your life a love higher than it is possible for you to express in words. You are laborers together with God, to bring back lost faith in God.

There is a work to do for the wealthy, in awakening them to a sense of their responsibility and accountability to God to conduct all their business relations as those who must give an account to him who will judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and kingdom. The wealthy man needs your labor in the love and fear of God. He trusts in his riches, and feels not his danger. The eyes of his mind need to be attracted to things of enduring value. He needs to recognize the authority of true goodness, which says, "Come unto me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Put off that yoke which you have manufactured for your neck, and over which you have been perplexing yourself, and take my yoke upon you. "Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink." "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."

O, if that man of wealth would only listen, if he would only hear, if he would only take time to consider, he could not but discern in these invitations the superior goodness that invites him! He would see that it is the voice of the true Shepherd that calls him, and that God will give him something of more value than gold, or silver, or precious stones. O that, in the place of trusting in uncertain riches, he would realize that he is a responsible agent, a steward of the means entrusted to him; that God calls upon him to be faithful in the use and improvement of his goods; and that he may, if he will, become a distinguished worker together with God in uplifting those whom Christ came to the world to save.

The Lord has endowed man with capabilities and power and influence; he has entrusted him with his money; but these gifts are not to be lavishly spent in self-gratification. To every man he has given his work. Man is to be a co-worker with God in the great redemption. The money that God has entrusted to men is to be used in blessing humanity, in relieving the necessities of the suffering and the needy. Men are not to feel that they have done a very wonderful thing when they have endowed certain institutions or churches with large gifts. In the wise providence of God, there are constantly presented before them the very ones who need their help. They are to relieve the suffering, clothe the naked, and help many who are in hard and trying circumstances, who are wrestling with all their energies to keep themselves and their families from a pauper's home. God never meant that this misery should exist. He never meant that one man should have an abundance of the luxuries of life, while the children of others should cry for bread. The means over and above the positive necessaries of life are entrusted to men to do good, to bless humanity. God has entrusted his goods to stewards; and if these stewards love him, they will love those formed in his image.

But too often those who are enjoying the gifts of God add house after house, and farm after farm, to their possessions. Some even build for their dogs, homes that are like palaces, and keep hired attendants to take care of them, while their fellow beings are left to misery and crime, to disease and death. How long, O Lord! how long, shall this state of things exist? God will judge the world in righteousness by that man Jesus whom he hath ordained to judge the quick and the dead; and those who have long neglected to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to give relief and comfort to suffering humanity, will have to render an account to God for the misapplication of his entrusted talents. What a record will then appear of money spent on pleasures and the gratification of appetite in wine and liquor and rich dainties, for extravagant houses and furniture and dress, while human beings received not one pitying look, one word of sympathy.

The principle of worldlings is to get all they can of the perishable things of this life. Selfish love of gain is the ruling principle in their lives. But the purest joy is not found in riches, nor where covetousness is always craving, but where contentment reigns, and where self-sacrificing love is the ruling principle. There are thousands who are passing their lives in self-indulgence, and whose hearts are filled with repining. They are victims of selfishness and discontent in the vain effort to satisfy their minds with indulgence. Unhappiness is stamped upon their very countenances, and behind them is a desert, because their course is not fruitful in good works.

Those who feel no special pleasure in seeking to be a blessing to others, in working, even at a sacrifice, to do them good, cannot have the spirit of Christ or of heaven; for they have no union with the work of heavenly angels, and cannot participate in the bliss that imparts elevated joy to them. But Christ says to his disciples, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." I lead in the path of self-denial. I require nothing of you, my followers, but that of which I, your Lord, give you an example in my own life.

By a chain of circumstances which should call forth their charities, God bestows upon men the best means of cultivating benevolence. He designs to keep them habitually giving to help the poor and to advance his cause. He sends his poor as the representatives of himself. By their necessities, a ruined world is drawing forth from us talents of means and of influence, of which it is in perishing need. And as we heed these calls by labor and by acts of benevolence, we are assimilated to the image of him who for our sake became poor. In bestowing, we bless others, and thus accumulate true riches. Mrs. E. G. White.

Those who are yoked up with Christ will not give with a patronizing air, as though they should have great praise for their benevolence. They will realize that they are trading in their Lord's goods, not their own, and that they will have to give an account, in the Judgment, of the use they have made of their entrusted capital. Those truly love their neighbor as themselves who realize their responsibilities and the claims that suffering humanity has upon them, and carry out the principles of God's law in the daily life.

It is not God's plan at all that the rich should give gifts to those who have abundance. It is the distressed, the downtrodden, the discouraged, the hungry, the suffering, the naked, the poor, of whom Christ says, "Ye have the poor always with you." We need to take closer views of God's word and of eternity. This will not disqualify any one for the duties of life, or to act a Christlike part in society. The gospel of Christ is not only to be believed, but to be acted. We are to be doers of the word. We are daily determining our destiny in the future life by the character we develop in this.

Christ penetrated into the very inner circles of life. He sought to arrest the actors in domestic life, in the midst of their household cares, and call their attention to the fact that they had eternal interests to secure. He told them: Your various endowments are so many talents. These the Lord has entrusted to you to be improved, and by their use to gain other talents. They will increase through constant exercise. God has made men almoners of his providence, to use wisely the entrusted capital, as well as the endowments of his grace, to do all the good they possibly can, and thus constitute themselves wise, faithful stewards, laborers together with God, to reshape characters, and to elevate and help those who need help.

The command is given, Work while the day lasts: the night cometh, when no man can work. Jesus asks, "Are there not twelve hours in the day." If these hours were employed as if men realized that they were accountable human beings, responsible before God, as serious, candid, heaven-bought subjects, keeping eternity in view, there would be sufficient time to secure for every soul an inheritance among the sanctified in the kingdom of God. There would be time for each one to be instrumental in the saving of many souls through precept and example. But we have no time to waste, no time to devote to selfish pleasure-loving, no time to give to the indulgence of sin. Time is golden. We have characters to form for the future, immortal life. Angels of God are watching our development of character; they are weighing moral worth.

Christ points out to us that which he expects us to do. He has given us a glimpse of eternity, that we may realize that there is something higher than temporal things to engage our attention, and call into activity all our delegated powers. They must be used to glorify our Redeemer. Christ calls for the human agents to cooperate with the divine agencies in saving the world. Not one is to feel that he can use his time as he chooses. Heavenly requirements are not to be ignored.

It is the almost universal practise of men to subordinate the eternal to the temporal; the claims of the future, the unseen, to the common affairs of the present. But Christ declares, "Ye cannot serve God and Mammon." "No man can serve two masters." The god of this world claims wonderful activity and constant slavery to his will. Christ, the uplifted Saviour, calls men to look and live. He declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness," he declares, and all needed things of secondary importance "shall be added unto you."

If the churches that have had great light and great opportunities will walk humbly with God, the Lord will give every member a work to do for him. If you make no success in the highways, go into the byways, to those who are poor, despised, and forsaken. If you work for them while mounted upon the stilts of your dignity and superiority, you will accomplish nothing; but if you will be truly converted to the Lord Jesus Christ, and learn of him who is meek and lowly in heart, you will show that you have learned how to work the works of God. This is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he hath sent, that you go to him for counsel and instruction, and pray, and watch, and work.

Waste nothing in your life practise. Jesus worked a miracle to feed the five thousand tired people. He selected a pleasant place for them,--for "there was much grass in that place,"--and gave his orders, commanding them to sit down. Then he took the five loaves and two small fishes. No doubt many remarks were made as to the impossibility of satisfying five thousand hungry men, besides women and children, from that scanty store. Then Jesus gave thanks, and placed the food in the hands of his disciples, to distribute to the multitude. The food increased in the hands of Christ, and as often as the disciples returned to him, they received a fresh supply.

In every large city there are human beings who are not cared for, and are made of less consideration than the brutes. Moral degradation meets the eye and pains the senses. Human beings live in dark cellars, in houses that are reeking with dampness and filth. Children are born in these terrible places. Through the years of infancy and youth, their eyes behold nothing attractive; nothing of the beauty of nature cheers their vision. They hear the name of God only in profanity.

These children are allowed to grow up molded and fashioned in character by low precepts, disagreeable surroundings, and wretched examples. Impure words and the fumes of liquor greet the senses. Want and wretchedness are on every hand, because of the insufficient and miserable food, which is unfit for human beings to subsist upon; and from these abodes of want there are sent forth piteous cries for food and clothing by many who know nothing about prayer.

Christians, will you consider that Jesus gave his life to save these souls? Will you not cooperate with him in this great work? It is not fitful service that God accepts; it is not emotional spasms of piety that make us children of God. He calls upon us to work for principles that are true, firm, and abiding. If Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, he will be revealed in the character, it will be Christlike. We are to represent Christ to the world, as Christ represented the Father. Mrs. E. G. White.

The Jewish priests and rulers, to whom these words were addressed, held positions of great responsibility. They were not ignorant men; they were looked upon by the people as wise teachers, whom they must obey. But they were unworthy of their holy office. Christ said of them: "Whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children."

Here is shown the improper use made of the gift of speech. John was the greatest prophet born of women. "Verily I say unto you," Christ declared, "among them that are born of women there hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist." "This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee." He was sent by God to prepare the way for his only begotten Son; but bitter, unkind words were spoken of him, and those who spoke these words pronounced judgment on themselves in so doing. "They say, He hath a devil," Christ said. Did that make it so?--No; these words were spoken because he rebuked sin, and called men to repentance.

Many today feel at liberty to use the talent of speech recklessly, without thinking of the influence their words will have upon others. The Lord sends his messages by whom he will, and those who make disparaging remarks of the messengers and the message need to remember that they would speak in the same way of Christ if he should come to them as he came to the Jews, with a message that did not suit their unrenewed hearts. Those who use their speech to mimic the one who is speaking the words of God are charged with having done this to Christ; for it is done to him in the person of his saints.

The pious rulers would not receive John, and neither would they receive Christ who declared to them, "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Christ clothed his divinity with humanity, to meet humanity where it was, but not to speak the words of humanity. He sat at the table with publicans and sinners, he went among the most needy to speak words of life, and to sow the seeds of truth; for there he found more hopeful subjects than among the jealous, prejudiced scribes and Pharisees, who thought themselves exalted to heaven by their position.

Christ carried on his work among the needy and suffering. These judged him by his works. "Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw." When this man was healed, the people were amazed, and they expressed their conviction when they said, "Is not this the Son of David?" meaning, Is not this the Messiah? The gracious works they had witnessed were to them a convincing evidence that he who performed them had the power of God, and they had no thought of attributing them to any other agency. Hence the inquiry, "Is not this the Son of David?"

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, contemptuously, "This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub, the prince of the devils." These words were inspired by Satan. The enmity and prejudice of the rulers were stirred into a fury of madness; and priests and rulers, Pharisees and Sadducees, united in pouring forth their hatred. From the treasure house of their hard, stubborn hearts came the words, "This fellow doth not cast out devils but by Beelzebub, the prince of the devils." They could not ignore Christ's wonderful works, or attribute them to natural causes, so they said, They are the works of the devil. In unbelief they spoke of the Son of God as a human being. The works of healing done before them, works which no man had ever done or could do, were a manifestation of the power of God. But they charged Christ with being in league with hell. Their talent of speech was used to abuse the world's Redeemer, and the recording angel wrote their words in the books of heaven. They attributed to satanic agencies the holy power of God, manifested in the works of Christ. Thus the Pharisees sinned against the Holy Ghost. Stubborn, sullen, iron-hearted, they determined to close their eyes to all evidence, and thus they committed the unpardonable sin.

"If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin," Christ said, "but now they have no cloak for their sin. . . . But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause." Christ's works of mercy contrasted too sharply with their pride, selfishness, and evil actions. They could not bear to have his goodness and tender sympathy acted out, even to those whom they despised.

"Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: and if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit." In Christ's works the Pharisees were given sufficient evidence of his mission, but they rejected this evidence.

"O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." By their words the Pharisees and Sadducees were exerting a deadly influence upon the people, who looked upon them as wise and good men. They were false teachers, poisoning the religious principles of the people by their deception, and teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. The Pharisees especially were stirred by a power from beneath, and they strove earnestly to exalt their manufactured precepts, their traditions and manmade commandments, above the law of God.

As for you, Christ said, your words reveal the malignity of your hearts. "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Your words are an index of your character, and they will testify against you.

It is the privilege of all to fill the chambers of the soul with pure and holy treasures by making themselves thoroughly familiar with the precious words of Christ, spoken for our instruction. "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." The word "simple" does not here mean those who lack reason and intellect. It means that class specified in Isa. 57:15: "Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." By heeding the reproof and encouragement given in God's word, we may "walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." Those who are thus strengthened will not walk with head bowed down like a bulrush. Cheap, nonsensical remarks, spoken to create levity, will not fall from their lips.

"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." Then shall we not all, old and young, learn to converse in the language that is spoken by those who are translated into God's kingdom? Shall not our words be such as will be heard with pleasure by our Heavenly Father?

As those who claim to be Christians, we are under solemn obligations to reveal the truth of our profession by our words. The tongue is a little member; but what an amount of good it can do if the heart is pure! If the heart is stored with good things, if it is stored with Christlike tenderness, sympathy, and politeness, this will be shown by the words spoken and the actions performed. The light shining from the word of God is our guide. Nothing so weakens a church as a wrong use of the talent of speech. We dishonor our Leader when our words are not such as should come from the lips of a Christian.

This admonition and warning was left on record for all who have a knowledge of the truth, and claim to be Seventh-day Adventists. Our probation is of more value to us than all the gold and silver of the world. Man has been given a second trial; but it was at an infinite cost to heaven that we were granted another opportunity to form characters of which God can approve. Christ united his divinity with humanity. He possessed the qualities of infinite and finite. In his person all excellence dwells. His sacrifice was our ransom from the slavery of sin. By his atonement we are enabled to sit with him on his throne, and share his glory. Then shall we, with such possibilities before us, show ourselves incapable of appreciating the heavenly gift? As the recipients of his grace, shall we not do our part by working out our salvation with fear and trembling? It is God that works in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Man works, and God works; but God can do nothing without man's cooperation.

"The seed is the word of God." "He that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit [even the fruit of the lips, in appropriate words to the glory of God], and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." The fruitful hearer is a sincere believer in Jesus Christ. Christ was fruitful because he had that faith which works by love and purifies the soul. A true believer shows that his character has been transformed by living a spiritual life, by living on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. His consecration is shown by the words that fall from his lips and by his zeal in good works. Has the hearing of the word humbled our pride? Has it wrought repentance in the soul? Do the fruits of righteousness appear in our lives, shown by our holy conversation? Are we bringing forth fruit to the glory of God, or do others see how little we, who profess to believe the truth, reveal it in our lives?

"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God." Will not those thus cleansed manifest it by the words spoken? Will they not be holy in all manner of conversation? Having received the message of truth for this time, will they not reveal this truth "in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? The earth also, and the things that are therein, shall be burned up. Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."

"Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance; but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear."

There is too little conversation among Christians in regard to the precious chapters in their experience. The work of God is crippled, and God is dishonored, by the abuse of the talent of speech. Jealousy, evil surmising, and selfishness are cherished in the heart, and the words show the inward corruption. Evil thinking and evil speaking are indulged by many who name the name of Christ. These seldom make mention of the goodness, mercy, and love of God, manifested in giving his Son for the world. This he has done for us, and should not our love and gratitude demand expression? Should we not strive to make our words a source of help and encouragement to one another in our Christian experience? If we truly love Christ, we shall glorify him by our words. Unbelievers are often convicted as they listen to pure words of praise and gratitude to God.

"If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." Those who do this work must seek strength and wisdom from above. They must be refreshed by drinking from the stream of life, that their labors may not become exhausting; for those who are doing God's service will strive to communicate what they receive. Therefore provision is made for every soul. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." The golden oil, representing the Holy Spirit, is communicated to God's servants by the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. This will supply the necessities of all who hunger and thirst after righteousness. But if we make no preparation by self-examination and prayer, we cannot receive this precious oil.

Please read the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. Great light is given in this chapter. The earnest prayer from the humble, contrite heart will be heard and answered. "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit." This we have a right to expect if we cooperate with God by consecrating ourselves, soul, body, and spirit, to his keeping. No foolish talking or evil speaking will then be heard. The tongue will utter right things.

The love of God in the heart will lead us to speak gentle words. "Charity [love] suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth." Shall we not remember this? If the love of God is in our hearts, we shall not think evil, we shall not be easily disturbed, we shall not give loose rein to passion; but we shall show that we are yoked up with Christ, and that the restraining power of his Spirit leads us to speak words that he can approve. The yoke of Christ is the restraint of his Holy Spirit; and when we become heated by passion, let us say, "No; I have Christ by my side, and I will not make him ashamed of me by speaking hot, fiery words." Christ's word to all who are connected with him is: "Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

The education of the speech must not be neglected in our schools. Those who go into society with a desire and a determination to be as Christ commanded them to be, will not condescend to unchristian conversation. They will seek to represent Christ by their Spirit and words. They will aim to promote the happiness of all with whom they come in contact, by revealing Christ as the sin-pardoner, by taking notice of those who are neglected, by informing the ignorant, encouraging the desponding, comforting the afflicted, supporting the weak; and in these labors of love, they will realize that they have a divine Helper.

"I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old." This should be the theme of our conversation.

The Lord has rich blessings for all who serve him in righteousness and truth. Great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, unselfish purposes, yearnings for purity and holiness, will bear fruit in words that reveal the character of the heart-treasure. This is religion. Let us pray, as did David, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer." Mrs. E. G. White.

What a wonderful plan is the plan of redemption! Christ saw that the world had so absorbed the minds of men that they did not see the beautiful image of truth. While men slept, Satan had worked with his bewitching power to bring in traditions and false maxims, and had buried the truth beneath a mass of rubbish. He saw that the world had taken the place of God in man's affections and mind, and had divorced the soul from him; that the love of God was expelled from the heart, and the eternal world was lost from the vision. Christ himself was the Word, the Wisdom, of God; and in him God himself came down from heaven, and clothed himself in the habiliments of humanity. He engaged in the mysterious conflict with Satan and his hosts, that man might understand elevated themes of truth. He rescued the truth from the companionship of error, and sent it forth free to the world. He caused it to shine in its own native clearness and purity; for he designed that it should illuminate the dense darkness of the earth and the gross darkness of the people. All his work in its many lines was to make man meet for the inheritance of the saints in light; his words of life were given that the darkness which prevailed might pass away, and the true light shine forth.

The Sea of Galilee was a place to which he often resorted with his disciples. Capernaum, Chorazin, and Bethsaida were places highly favored, because they received the largest share of his ministerial labor. In these places at a distance from the metropolis of Judea, the Saviour found people of simple tastes, who would more readily harmonize with his work. Near the ford of Jordan was the road frequented by travelers on the way from Damascus to Jerusalem. Here his words were listened to by men from all parts of the world. Thus the precious truth which he came to unfold was as seed sown beside all waters.

The apostles were Christ's personal attendants. They traveled with him from place to place throughout the cities and towns of Palestine. They partook with him of his frugal fare, and with him were sometimes hungry and often weary. They followed him through the crowded streets, by the side of the lake, and in the lonely wilderness. They saw Jesus in every phase of his life. They witnessed his miracles, and heard his lessons of instruction. And it was the design of Christ that these followers should be co-partners with himself to build up, strengthen, and advance his kingdom in the world. He therefore commissioned his disciples to go forth and carry the message he had given them. He bade them lift their voices to the traders in vanity, and break the spell of infatuation, bringing to mind eternal interests. "The kingdom of God is at hand," was to be their message.

The work of the disciples needed molding and correcting by tenderest discipline, and by opening to others a knowledge of the word they themselves had received; and Christ gave them special instruction in regard to their course of action and their work. In his own life he had given them an example of strict conformity to the rules which he now laid down for them. They were not to enter into controversies; this was not their work. They were to reveal and advocate the truth in their own characters, through earnest prayer and meditation revealing personal experience in genuine Christianity. This would be in decided contrast to the religion of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They were to call the attention of their hearers to greater truths yet to be revealed. They were to cast the arrow, and the Spirit of God was to guide the shaft into the heart.

The message which the disciples were to bear was of infinite importance. It was to impregnate every moment of the present life with future, eternal realities. They were enjoined to make known to all who would hear them that the greatness of his kingdom is the wealth of his salvation. And this message was not to be slighted and rejected with impunity. "Into whatsoever city ye enter," he said, "and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me."

Christ designed that his disciples should learn by experience the meaning of faith in him. In healing the sick and casting out devils they would obtain an experience which was new to them, and thus would be brought where they needed special wisdom from above. They desired in all things to exercise sound discretion, and when brought, as they often were, into painful perplexity, they dared not act independently. How they longed to have their Master by their side, that he might tell them what course to pursue! But they obtained an experience by relying on the promises given them by Christ. They claimed the promise, "Ask, and it shall be given you." They did pray most earnestly, and were not left without the Holy Spirit. At times they were tempted to move unadvisedly; but the words of the prophet, "Lean not unto thine own understanding," and, "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths," led them to One who would not err in counsel.

As the apostles presented the truth, the grace of God made itself manifest, taking possession of the soul. This resulted in giving them a sympathy with Christ. Christ cooperated with them, in all their efforts arousing and quickening their spiritual life. The entrance of the word of God into their souls manifested itself in their character and conversation; and the disciples returned to Christ freighted with a treasure costlier than that with which any earthly business could have repaid them. In a special sense their minds were dealing with both worlds, and were broadening and strengthening for future development which would tax their faith to the uttermost.

This is the experience that the workers of today are to obtain. You are to lean wholly on God. You must not trust to your own wisdom. If you desire to put forth the energies of your spiritual life, if you would have your heart illumined by the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, remove every obstruction, throw open the passage of communication between Christ and the soul, that the life which is in him may flow freely to you, and that you may impart the same to others.

Christ attaches great importance to the work of the ministry; but this does not mean preaching merely. It means personal effort also. The Saviour of the world devoted more time and labor to healing the sick than to preaching. His last injunction to his apostles, his representatives upon earth, was to lay hands on the sick, that they might recover. And when the Master shall come again, he will commend those who have visited the sick, and relieved the necessities of the afflicted. "Well done, good and faithful servant," he will say; "enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

There is need of seeking clearness of spiritual eyesight, that we may discern the best methods of working. We have a wily foe upon our track, and we must not be ignorant of the power that is working against us. Many professed Christians will be seduced by Satan's delusions. There is safety only in continually seeking counsel of God, refusing to receive the praise of any one, and bracing the mind by the knowledge of the word of God, received through diligent study. Then Satan's illusions may be resisted. The application of spiritual truth to the heart and conscience by the Holy Spirit's agency, is saving in its influence. "The entrance of thy words," says the psalmist, "giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

The Christian who has a knowledge of God and a sense of his presence will cultivate his reasoning powers, and will live with an eye single to the glory of God. He will have breadth of thought. His mind will be enlarged, his faculties strengthened to examine the scriptures that are difficult and obscure. With humility and caution will he contemplate the Word; and the entrance of the word of God into his heart will give him understanding. The pure principles which he adopts will have a molding influence upon his life and character. The Spirit of Christ will dwell in him as a well of water, springing up into eternal life.

Though many do not positively reject the message which the Lord sends them, they give little response to it in life and character, in comparison with what the Lord has a right to expect from them. But it is God's design that the truth shall be carried into the sanctuary of the soul, and work upon the conscience, and that its presence there shall be revealed by the works done to restore the moral image of God in man. Every one may find something to do in saving souls and advancing the truth of God. And all who engage in this work are laboring for time and for eternity. The promise of Inspiration is, "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever." Mrs. E. G. White.

When prophets stood in defense of the truth, it was the word of God that was given to them. They understood the work of salvation to be accomplished by the Messiah to come. But after Christ came, after he died as man's sacrifice, after the typical sacrifices were fulfilled by the antitype, the old truth in the typical service was revealed more clearly. In Christ, the representative of the Father, a wonderful truth was revealed to the world. The light from the cross of Calvary, reflected back upon the Jewish age, gives character and significance to the whole Jewish economy; and on this side of the cross, in a special manner, we have the truth as it is in Jesus. Truth communicated through our Redeemer becomes indeed present truth.

What a truth is presented as we gaze upon Jesus in connection with the cross of Calvary, as we see this Wonderful, this Counselor, this mysterious victim, stooping beneath the amazing burden of our race! That the transgressor might have another trial, that men might be brought into favor with God the Father, the eternal Son of God interposed himself to bear the punishment of transgression. One clothed with humanity, who was yet one with the Deity, was our ransom. The very earth shook and reeled at the spectacle of God's dear Son suffering the wrath of God for man's transgression. The heavens were clothed in sackcloth to hide the sight of the divine sufferer.

It was the transgression of the law of God that made this suffering necessary. And yet men harbor the thought, and give expression to the suggestions of Satan through those who trample upon the law of God, that all this suffering was to make that law of none effect. Deceived and blinded by the great transgressor, they tell the people that there is no law, or that, if they keep the commandments of God in this dispensation, they have fallen from grace. What a delusion is this that Satan has fastened upon human minds!

When the theory that the law of Jehovah is not binding upon the human family is adopted and taught, man is blinded to his terrible ruin. He cannot discern it. Then God has no moral standard by which to measure character, and to govern the heavenly universe, the worlds unfallen, and this fallen world. Could God have abolished the law in order to meet man in his fallen condition, and yet have maintained his honor as Governor of the universe, Christ need not have died. But the death of Christ is the convincing, everlasting argument that the law of God is as unchanging as his throne. In the place of the great sacrifice's abating one jot or one tittle of the Father's law, that sacrifice exalts the law; it proclaims to worlds unfallen and to the fallen race that God's law is changeless, and that he will maintain his authority and sustain his law.

Were the law understood apart from Christ, it would have a crushing power upon sinful men, blotting the sinner out of existence. But by understanding the law in connection with Christ, receiving him by faith as his substitute and surety, man sees himself as a prisoner of hope. The truth as it is in Jesus is an acquaintance with the holy, just, and good law of God, as this law is elevated, and its immutability demonstrated, in Christ. He magnified the law, expanded its every precept, and in his obedience left man an example, that he also may meet its demands.

Then why will men be so deceived, and rush on in transgression, breaking God's law, and teaching others to do the same, rushing on the thick bosses of Jehovah's buckler? Why will they make trial for themselves? Why will they test the justice of God, whether he will venture to deal out to man, unsparingly and unflinchingly, the portion that is expressly declared in the Scriptures for all transgressors of the law? The agonies of the garden of Gethsemane, the insult, the mockery, the abuse, heaped upon God's dear Son, the horrors and ignominy of the crucifixion, furnish sufficient and thrilling demonstration that God's justice, when it punishes, does the work thoroughly. The fact that his own Son, the surety for man, was not spared, is an argument that will stand to all eternity before saint and sinner, before the universe of God, to testify that he will not excuse the transgressor of his law.

God has given his law for the regulation of the conduct of nations, of families, and of individuals. There is not one worker of wickedness, though his sin is the least and the most secret, that escapes the denunciation of that law. The whole work of the father of lies is recorded in the statute books of heaven; and those who lend themselves to the service of Satan, to present to men his lies by precept and practise, will receive according to their deeds. Every offense against God, however minute, is set down in the reckoning. And when the sword of justice is taken in hand, it will do the work that was done to the divine sufferer. Justice will strike; for God's hatred of sin is intense and overwhelming.

The truth as it is in Jesus will teach most important lessons. It will show that the love of God is broad and deep; that it is infinite; and that in awarding the penalty to the disobedient, those who have made void God's law, it will be uncompromising. This is the love and the justice of God combined. It reaches to the very depth of human woe and degradation, to lift up the fallen and oppressed who lay hold of the truth by repentance and faith in Jesus. And God works for the good of the universe, for the good of the rebellious sinner, by causing the sinner to suffer the penalty of his sin.

The plan of salvation is but dimly comprehended by the Christian world. Man, as now taught by men who claim to have a knowledge of the Scriptures, can never know the extent of his fallen, degraded condition; but the mission of Christ will reveal the truth as it is in Jesus. Man can know the depths to which he has sunk only by beholding the wondrous chain of redemption employed to draw him up. The extent of our ruin can be discerned only in the light of the law of God exhibited in the cross of Calvary. The wonderful plan of redemption must be discerned in the death of Christ.

Only through faith in Christ is it possible for man to live the law. Man is not able to save himself, but the Son of God fights his battles for him, and places him on vantage ground by giving him his divine attributes. And as man accepts the righteousness of Christ, he is a partaker of the divine nature. He may keep the commandments of God, and live. Says Peter: "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

The truth as it is in Jesus is obedience to every precept of Jehovah. It is heart work. Bible sanctification is not the spurious sanctification which will not search the Scriptures, but will trust to good feeling and impulses rather than to the seeking for truth as for hidden treasure. Bible sanctification will lead its possessors to know the requirements of God and to obey them. There is a pure and holy heaven in store for those who keep God's commandments. It is worth lifelong, persevering, untiring effort. Satan is on your right hand and on your left; he is before you and behind. He supplies his falsehoods to every soul who is not cherishing the truth as it is in Jesus. He, the destroyer, is upon you to palsy your every effort. But there is a crown of life to be won, a life that measures with the life of God. And those who do not close their hearts and minds to conviction will learn what the love of a holy and righteous God is; for it is an amazing principle, which works in a mysterious and wonderful manner to secure the salvation of the race. Mrs. E. G. White.

While on earth, Christ accomplished the work for which he left the throne of God in heaven. He worked for humanity, that through his work, humanity might be elevated in the scale of moral value with God. He assumed human nature, that he might elevate the human family, make them partakers of the divine nature, and place them on vantage ground with God. His every action had been in behalf of the fallen world,--to seek the sheep that had strayed from the fold, and bring it back to God.

But the mission and character of Christ were misinterpreted by the Jewish nation. The Pharisees claimed to understand the Scriptures, and the coming of the Messiah was the burden of their searching. Yet they refused to listen to the teachings of Christ, because those teachings directly condemned their cherished sins. Christ therefore declared that they had rejected the word of God, inasmuch as they had rejected him whom God had sent. He commanded them, "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."

"Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life," he said. The One who patriarchs and prophets had testified would come, and who had declared the manner of his coming,--the One for knowledge of whom they had searched the Scriptures,--he who could give them life and light,--was among them; yet they refused to receive him. Those who should have echoed the message of John, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world," held him up before the people as a deceiver.

Had the Son of Man come flattering their pride and justifying their iniquity, the Pharisees and rulers would have hastened to do him honor. But Christ declared: "I receive not honor from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?"

Jesus did not represent his work as differing from that of his Father. His plans were not independent of God. He moved in perfect harmony with God; his every act carried out his Father's will. His life was the mind of God expressed in humanity. He had come to the world in the Father's name, that through him we might have life. To the Jews he said: "I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. . . . When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. . . . I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. . . . If I honor myself, my honor is nothing: it is my Father that honoreth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God."

When Christ should go to the Father, he could tell him that he had fulfilled his mission. Christ came to fulfill the law by perfect obedience in a world that was transgressing that law. "I am not come," he said, "to destroy, but to fulfil,"--to manifest in my life every precept that my Father has given, and thus magnify the law, and make it honorable. Thus he left to all who believe in him an example of obedience to the law of God. "As the Father hath loved me," he says, "so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."

Christ was the only begotten Son of God, yet he became a servant. Through the prophet Isaiah the Lord declares this. He says of him: "Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my Spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law."

The Lord saw us in a sad condition, and sent to our world the only messenger that he could trust with his great treasure of pardon and grace. Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was the delegated messenger. He was ordained to do a work that even the angels of heaven could not accomplish. He alone could be trusted to do the work required for the redemption of a world all seared and marred with the curse. And in this gift the Father gave all heaven to the world.

What a change was this for the Son of God, him who was the adored of angels, the Light of heaven! He might have gone to the pleasant homes of the unfallen worlds, to the pure atmosphere where disloyalty and rebellion had never intruded; and there he would have been received with acclamations of praise and love. But it was a fallen world that needed the Redeemer. "I came not to call the righteous," said he, "but sinners to repentance. He came to represent the Father in bringing the message of hope and salvation to our world. He lived not for himself; he did not consult his own ease and pleasure; he did not yield to temptation; and he condescended to die in order that sinful men might be redeemed, and live eternally in the mansions he was to prepare for them. His mission was to teach souls who were dying in their sins.

This work Christ has laid upon every one whom he has purchased. The Lord will give ample light to all who will be true and loyal to him, but he will show no more favor to Phariseeism and self-righteousness today than when he walked in his humanity in our world. The soul that encourages an atmosphere of doubt, God cannot favor with constantly increasing grace. His mercy and the gracious influences of his Spirit remain the same for all who will receive them. His offer of salvation does not change. It is man who changes his relationship to God. Many place themselves where they cannot recognize his grace and his salvation. They are under a delusion as to what constitutes Christianity. And while man refuses to become pure, holy, and undefiled, as God's law requires him to do, he is walking away from Christ.

The man who refuses the light that God has given in his word, cannot expect that the appeal ignored by him today will soften and humble his heart on the morrow, and that higher incentives and greater rewards will be presented before those who are refusing God's mercy. Every day Satan is stealing a march upon the poor, tempted soul who will not yield his heart to God; and with each rejection of light, the probability of his becoming a Christian lessens, until the Holy Spirit is grieved away.

But will those who have had light and truth reveal that they have not the spirit and love of Christ in the heart,--that they are not connected with the parent vine stock? Should they not rather, as the favored people of God, manifest to the world that they are one with Christ, as he is one with the Father? This every true worker with Christ will do, through the grace given him. As Christ was dependent upon his Father, so man is dependent upon Christ. "I can of mine own self do nothing," he declared. The work which I do is all of my Father. The necessity is anticipated by him to whom I have access at all times. Had there been one deviation from the divine mind in the work of Christ, the plan of redemption would have proved a failure. So man can do nothing apart from Christ. When there is any deviation on our part from working in Christ's lines, a false mold is given to his work. Man is to live only for the accomplishment of the same work given the Son of God to do. He is honored in being a laborer together with God; and the Lord appreciates his workmanship. God has left nothing undone that he could do for us. He gave a perfect example of his character in the character of his Son; and it is the work of Christ's followers, as they behold the incomparable excellency of his life and character, to grow in his likeness. As they look unto Jesus and respond to his love, they will reflect the image of Christ. Mrs. E. G. White.

For the last time, Christ is in the temple. He has given warnings to the Pharisees and scribes, and uttered denunciations against them, while at their tables, having been invited there that they might find some pretext for causing him to be put to death. Now, addressing them and his disciples, he says, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat." The Jewish teachers stood up to read the Scriptures, but were seated when they expounded them. As persons exalted, they supposed themselves capable of acting in the place of Moses as interpreters of the law given by God.

"All therefore," continued Christ, "whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say [when teaching the law from the Scriptures], and do not." They did not bring their own works into accordance with the written Word. They enjoined duties upon others, but their own teaching they did not practise. "For they bind heavy burdens [of exactions and requirements] and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi."

Whatever good thing they do, said Christ, whatever zeal they show, is not that they may obey and honor God, but to gain approval and respect for themselves, that others may think them pious and holy. The oft-repeated "rabbi" was very acceptable to the ear, but Jesus warned his disciples against this. He said to them: "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ."

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. . . . Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous, and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation."

Anguish, deep and unfathomable, pressed upon the soul of Christ; and in the intense pain of unrequited love, he exclaimed, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee," not content to receive with indifference and spurning the message sent by God's servants unto you, your hatred against God you have vented upon his messengers. You will not suffer them to live. "How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" The same work that you do to my messengers whom I send will be reflected back upon you. Refusing to be gathered, you will realize what it means to be scattered, to be the despised of all nations.

In the lamentation of Christ, the very heart of God was pouring itself forth in his representative. This was the separation struggle, the mysterious farewell of the longsuffering love of the Deity; it was the expression of abused, rejected love. Christ's representation is a most striking one. He would have gathered his chosen people together as a hen gathers her chickens under her wing. He would have given them protection, they would not have been left defenseless. When the hen sees that her brood is in danger, she calls them under her sheltering wings. She will resist any enemy that may approach. She will die rather than that those who have fled for protection under her sheltering wings should suffer. This will Christ do for those who fly to him for refuge. He will gather his children together under his mediatorial wings, and there they will be safe.

But the chosen nation of God must receive its eternal retribution for its refusal of the Son of God. "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate," Christ said. Christ himself was the Lord of the temple. When he should leave it, its glory would depart,--that glory once visible over the mercy seat in the holy of holies, where the high priest entered only once a year, on the great day of atonement, with the blood of the slain victim,--typical of the blood of the Son of God,--and sprinkled it upon the altar.

The Lord expects his followers to reveal, in the transformation of their life and character, the power of the gospel, which converts and sanctifies the soul. He calls for all tact and energy to be educated and trained for his service. And yet there are but few who have educated themselves to take in the subject of redemption, and the responsibility which it places upon the followers of Christ. Thousands are doing nothing in real service for the Master. They have no feeling for sin-sick souls who are perishing out of Christ. Although many profess godliness, they help very little in alleviating the poverty and suffering that exist all around them; they reach out no hand to save the perishing. Selfishness increases in every line. It is seen in the clothing of the body, in the decorating of the home, in expending money for that which is not bread, in gratifying pride, and in selfish indulgence. Compassion is becoming rare in the hearts of those who claim to be Christians. They seem to have drunk a deadly draft of Satan's "peace-and-safety" decoction, and to be insensible to the perils to which human souls are exposed.

The Lord of glory clothed his divinity with humanity, and came to our world to endure self-denial and self-sacrifice, in order that the moral image of God might be restored in man. All the heavenly attributes were in his heart in abundance, and flowed out in an irrepressible stream of good works. Mark how readily and heartily he ministered to those in need, how his eyes took in the situation of every tempted soul, how his heart was touched with human woe!

In Christ's unwearying efforts is our pattern. Pity for those in need and suffering will be awakened in all who will attempt this self-denying, self-sacrificing work that the Majesty of heaven came to our world to perform. Those who receive Christ by faith will represent his compassion, his goodness, and his love in a world that is marred and seared with the curse. The degree to which these graces exist in the life and character, measures the genuine likeness to God. "By their fruits," said Christ, "ye shall know them." This is the true test both in grace and in nature.

Those who have great light have the privilege of obtaining still greater light if they will but appreciate that which they already have. But if that light is not appreciated, if God's professed people will not themselves become light to those who are in darkness, the light they have, but do not rejoice in and impart, will become darkness. If they would put their tact and ability to use in the service of Christ, he would put his Spirit upon them. The grace and attributes of Christ, imparted to others, would draw from the treasure house of God more grace, as circumstances should demand.

The Lord has made it our duty to seek him in earnest prayer, that we may understand his will. He has shown the error of the human race in having direct communion with God to so slight a degree. This is where the weakness of thousands lies today. They place finite man where God should ever be, and thereby lose a great wealth of experience. They catch the spirit of the world; they act as the world acts, and talk as the world talks. Its notions and traditions and infidel sentiments they receive as truth; and when something new is introduced, they grasp it with eagerness. That which is but chaff they look upon as manna from heaven. They are leavened by the human ideas and erroneous sentiments of professed Christians who are far from being doers of the word. Men, women, and children are neglectful of their God-given responsibilities. Perverted appetites are indulged to the injury of mental, physical, and moral health. They are fictitious representations of Christ Jesus. They belong to that class whom Paul describes as lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. As a result, their hearts are hardened. Christ's grace of sympathy and tender pity is regarded as a weakness, and they are led to a misconception of the work that needs to be accomplished.

Many have been entrusted with precious talents of intellect. But what good has been accomplished with these entrusted capabilities? What has been done with the education received from God? Have they, with all their varied plans, appreciated the Giver? or have they joined the apostate who was once a covering cherub, and placed their powers at the disposal of Satan? The work given man in this world is to cooperate with Christ in counterworking the work of the first great rebel, in suppressing the rebellion that he has created. Man is to work as Christ worked for humanity.

But who are walking even as he walked? Who are working in Christ's lines? Who among us have the faith which works by love and purifies the soul? Who are coming into such conformity to God as was represented in the grace of him who is our pattern? Those who yoke up with Christ will have the mind of Christ. They will garrison the mind so that it shall not become enslaved to the control of a power that will stop at nothing in its earnest zeal to win the victory.

We need to guard continually against the sophistry in regard to geology and other branches of science falsely so-called, which have not one semblance of truth. The theories of great men need to be carefully sifted of the slightest trace of infidel suggestions. One tiny seed sown by teachers in our schools, if received by the students, will raise a harvest of unbelief. The Lord has given all the brilliancy of intellect that man possesses, and it should be devoted to his service.

Because so little effort has been made to engage young men and women in the missionary work which must be done to bring the gospel invitation to all, there is but one worker where there should be a hundred. The indifference which is manifested for suffering humanity is charged against churches and families and individuals. The medical missionary work is becoming disproportionate to the moral influence and spiritual labor put forth by church members generally to reach the souls dead in trespasses and sins. Churches that ought to work in Christ's lines are inclined to make disparaging remarks of those who engage in medical missionary work. And yet they profess to be the people of God.

What excuse can be made in the great day of God for the neglect of souls for whom Christ has died? Wasted opportunities will be presented before those who might, with their God-given abilities and influence, have accomplished a work for God. Then they will see how their unfaithfulness has left souls unassisted, unwarned, unenlightened. Then they will realize that the blood of these souls is upon the garments of those whose duty it was to work in Christ's lines to save the souls for whom he died.

Many of us have a serious account to settle for the misuse of our God-given faculties. For the misuse of the talent of time that has been wasted in selfish pleasure, the waste of the influence which God requires to be employed in his service in response to the service he is constantly doing for us, for the neglect to carry unselfish burdens in this life, God will call us to account. He declares "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Mrs. E. G. White.

"Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread." Expecting to see Jesus at the Passover, the Pharisees had laid a trap for him. But Jesus, knowing their purpose, had absented himself from this gathering. "Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes." As he did not go to them, they came to him.

This deputation was sent from Jerusalem for the express purpose of watching Jesus, that something might be found with which to accuse him. The Pharisees saw that the disciples did not observe diligently the traditions of the elders. They did not practise the custom of "washing of cups and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables." Hoping to provoke a controversy, the Pharisees said to Christ, "Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?" They thought to draw from Christ words of which they could make capital. But he answered them with authority, while divinity was revealed with startling power: "Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do."

Christ gave them an example of what they were repeatedly doing, and had done just before coming in search of him. "Full well ye reject the commandment of God," he said, "that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: but ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do aught for his father or his mother." They set aside the fifth commandment as of no consequence, but were very exact in carrying out the tradition of the elders. The sayings of supposed great men had been handed down from rabbi to rabbi, nullifying the plain requirements of God, "making the word of God of none effect," said Christ; "and many other such like things ye do."

"And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand." He spoke with no hesitation, but with authority, as one who would flash light upon all around him. "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." These words, spoken in the hearing of the multitude, infuriated the ecclesiastical powers. The cavilers were seeking to destroy Christ's influence over the people, but he flashed forth such divine truth that they dared not ask him further questions. Christ knew that if he could speak directly to the people, opening to them the Scriptures, he would be heard; for they were in a far more receptive frame of mind than were the leaders. The punishment would fall upon those who were