The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 77

December 4, 1900

“The Third Angel’s Message. The Faith of Jesus” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 77, 49, p. 776.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but emptied himself, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man,” etc. Philippians 2:5-8. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.1

When Jesus emptied himself, he became man, and God was found in the man. When Jesus emptied himself, on the one side man appeared, and on the other side God appeared. Thus, in him God and man meet in peace, and become one; “for he is our peace, who hath made both one.... having abolished in his flesh the enmity.... to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.” Ephesians 3:14. 15. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.2

He who was in the form of God took the form of man. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.3

He who was equal with God became equal with man. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.4

He who was Creator and Lord, became creature and servant. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.5

He who was in the likeness of God, was made in the likeness of man. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.6

He who was God, and Spirit, was made man, and flesh. John 1:1, 14. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.7

Nor is this true only as to form: it is true as to substance. The text here quoted from Philippians 2:5-8 gives the truth as to the form, the fashion, of Christ: first as God, and then as man. In Hebrews, the first and second chapters, there is given the truth of this subject as to the substance of Christ: first as God, and then as man. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.8

In Hebrews 1, Christ is set before us as God. Verse 8. In Hebrews 2, Christ is set before us as man. Verses 6, 7, 9. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.9

In Hebrews 1, Christ is shown to us as God, and so, higher than the angels. Verses 4, 5, 6-8. In Hebrews 2, he is shown to us as man, and so, lower than the angels. Verse 6, 7, 9. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.10

In Hebrews 1, he is described as God: of the very nature of God. Verses 4, 8, 10-12. In Hebrews 2, he is described as man: of the very nature of man. Verses 6, 9, 16, 17. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.11

In Hebrews 1, Christ, as God, is declared to be “the very impress of his [God’s] substance.” Verse 3, R.V., margin. In Hebrews 2, Christ, as man, is declared to be of “the same” “flesh and blood” as is man: the very impress of man’s substance. Verse 14. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.12

Thus, in Philippians 2:5-8 and Hebrews 1 and 2, are a series of contrasted parallels concerning Christ,—Philippians relating to form, fashion; Hebrews relating to nature, substance. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.13

Thus his being in the likeness of God, and “made in the likeness of men,” is not likeness only as to form: it is not likeness as in a picture, or a representation; but is also likeness in the sense of really being like, of like quality, of like substance; like in quality or essence, as well as in form. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.14

Please read carefully, and consider closely and carefully, Philippians 2:5-8 and Hebrews 1 and 2, from now, until this time next week, when we shall consider it further, and enter into it more fully. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.15

“Editorial” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 77, 49, p. 776.

THE Christian Advocate very appropriately remarks: “A multitude of professed Christians who have cheered themselves hoarse and spent days in drumming up voters, stirring up sluggards, convincing the doubtful, helping the hesitating to decide, and who were not ashamed to make the rafters ring with their jubilation over the victory, would be ashamed to be found making similar efforts to lead friends, neighbors, and strangers to choose Christ for their leader and the commandments of God for their platform.” All of this shows that they have just that much more interest in the things of this world than they have in the things of Christ and of God. And then where is their Christianity? “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” And “if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.1

“Another Church Federation” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 77, 49, pp. 776, 777.

TUESDAY evening, Nov. 13, 1900, at Syracuse, N.Y., there was taken probably the first positive step in what is announced as a “great religious movement.” And, in view of the times, and the consideration of a number of other developments, it is altogether likely that this willl prove to be a part of a great religious movement. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.1

However, this is not to say that it is a great religious movement for good. There have been, in the world’s history, a number of great religious movements that were about the worst things that could ever happen to the world. There was one in the fourth century, which culminated in the making of the papacy, and all that the papacy has been and is in the world. And, though this one, enthusiastically begun at Syracuse the other day, may indeed be the first step in what may prove to be a great religious movement, it is of the same sort as that one in the fourth century. And as certainly as it grows and prospers, it will culminate, in its place and degree, exactly as did that one in the fourth century, and will develop the image of the papacy. For it is nothing else than the definite organization of a federation of the churches in the United States. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.2

A report of the meeting says that the “church was crowded to the doors long before the opening of the services;” that “there were many noted divines present;” and that vice-president elect, Governor Theodore Roosevelt, of New York, presided and delivered an address, in which he said:— ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.3

I believe intensely in the work you are striving to further, and feel that the people who believe in the underlying principles make an unspeakable mistake when they quarrel about the boundary lines between them, when they have a common enemy to face, who demands our united attention and our united action. We can not afford to quarrel, we must be united. It is deeds which count, not words. We can not all see the truth in the same light, but we should all strive for higher ideals, and for that Christian unity which will bring us in closer touch with one another. I belong myself to the Dutch Reformed Church. Now, down at Oyster Bay, we have no church of that small denomination, and I should be opposed to establishing one of that faith there, as it would be an injury to the other churches already established. Down there, as elsewhere, we have lots to do to make things better, and I am glad to see the churches working toward this betterment. I had a hand in inaugurating a movement there which I think will be permanent. On the Fourth of July we get the Baptist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, and Catholic clergymen on the same platform. There is patriotic unity, and I want to see the same kind of spirit spread through all our people. I do not think I am less a member of the Reformed Church because I attend elsewhere. When I go to Washington next spring, I shall attend the Reformed church, if there is one there. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.4

I was one of the first to subscribe to the erection of a Catholic church at Oyster Bay; and when the first priest came there, the Rev. Father Belford.... I was awfully glad to help him. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.5

In this work of church federation, I want you to be content with the little steps. Do not be discouraged if you can not take the long strides. We are not going to see unity in a day. You will meet all kinds of opposition and prejudice. There must be a spirit of broad charity. One hundred years ago rank intolerance prevailed in the colonies, but we have advanced, and this meeting to-night is an evidence of it. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.6

All men who believe in the common virtues which underlie the foundation of our national life should come together. The church should be the center of the social and moral well-being of the community. I am more and more impressed with the truth of this. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.7

The first regular speech of the evening was made by the Rev. David Wills, of Oswego, we said:— ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.8

Church federation is warranted. It is practical. It is not rainbow-chasing. This movement is practical, and would to God the ministry realized and knew how the people were longing to get together. Give the people a chance to work together. Church federation is imperative. It must be had as a condition of church life. it is not more money nor more men that we need, but a more honest business administration of the affairs of the church. Church federation is a step in the right direction. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.9

The next day, at a meeting of ministers and other prominent men, the Church Federation of the State of New York was formally organized. A constitution was adopted: The material parts of that constitution are as follows:— ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.10

1. Name.—This organization shall be called the Federation of Churches and Christian Workers of the State of New York. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.11

2. Object.—The object of this federation is the promotion of effective co-operation among the churches of the State of New York, in order that their essential unity may be manifested; that the evangelization of every community may be more systematically accomplished; that a means may be found of expressing the united Christian sentiment of the State in regard to moral issues; that the various Christian churches and Christian workers and benevolent activities of the commonwealth may be more completely co-ordinated; and that other appropriate ends may be secured. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.12

When this constitution came before the meeting for consideration,— ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.13

It was suggested by the Rev. A. B. Coit that the work “evangelical” should be added to the designation of what churches should be permitted to join the federation. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.14

The Rev. Dr. Hegeman, of New York, said that it would be unwise to put any word in the constitution which would offend any body of churchmen. At a meeting held in New York City Bishop Potter favored a federation. “If you put in the word ‘evangelica,’” Mr. Hegeman said, “you will put something in the way which will interfere with the work. To my way of thinking, it will be impolitic.” ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.15

The Rev. Dr. Zimmerman said that he was not afraid of the resolution as read. The evangelical bodies were in the majority, and he did not think that the Jew or the Unitarian would absorb them. “We want to get all we can in this federation.” ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.16

The Rev. A. B. Coit was afraid that a mistake would be made if the basis of federation permitted the admission of those who denied the Messiahship of Christ. He said the success of the movement depended upon the proper solution of the article. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.17

The Rev. E. N. Packard, D. D., said he thought that Dr. Coit was talking about a difficulty which did not exist. This movement is a simple manifestation of Christian unity. There is room in the constitution for the great bodies known as evangelical, and those known as Christian workers, such as Y. M. C. A. He said he would deplore it if the federation should be halted at the very beginning. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.18

The Rev. Dr. Clark defined the word “evangelical.” He said it had not been applied by us historically to the Roman Catholics, the Episcopalians, Unitarians, and Universalists. We can not afford to eliminate these bodies from this work. In the present constitution it would be unwise and hurtful to use the word. We can not do anything to imperil this organization. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.19

The Rev. Dr. Zimmerman said it would be fatal to inject the word “evangelical” into the constitution, which would offend those who would co-operate with us. He cited the co-operation of the Roman Catholic Church some years ago in Syracuse in closing the saloons on Sunday. He said that the work of the federation was to be practical and not sentimental. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.20

The Rev. Martyn Summerbell spoke on the objects of the federation, and said that when he was traveling on the cars, he did not ask who were his fellow travelers. If there is a definite exclusion of others, we raise a barrier. He did not think that the Roman Catholics would interfere or disturb the work, as the organization of the local bodies would take care of the work. It would be a mistake to exclude the men who will help you in the philanthropic and moral work to be undertaken. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.21

The Rev. Mr. Main said that he did not believe in federation with those who deny the divinity of Jesus Christ. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.22

The Rev. F. N. Betts said that as a Universalist, the federation would have no trouble. “We will not come into the federation until we are assured that you want us. But we are working for federation, and believe in it from top to bottom.” ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.23

Others spoke on the proposition to make the second resolution incorporate the word “evangel- ical” before the words “Christian churches and Christian workers.” ARSH December 4, 1900, page 776.24

The motion to insert the word “evangelical” was rejected by a voice of seventeen to three. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 777.1

The Rev. H. H. Stebbins, D. D., of Rochester, was elected president; and Theodore Roosevelt and William E. Dodge, of New York, vice-presidents. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 777.2

It should be remembered, in this connection, that only last Thursday, November 29, a great meeting of Catholics were held in New York City, to consider Catholic Federation. And thus, with Protestant Federation on the one hand and Catholic Federation on the other, interesting scenes will soon be opened to the people of the United States. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 777.3

It is well to note, just now, too, at the beginning, that the Catholics start in with a great advantage; for they are expected to work in the Protestant Federation; the Protestant Federation is definitely arranged so that the Catholics will not only not be excluded, but that they will really be included, and that nothing will be done that would suggest that Catholics are not an essential part of the federation. Undoubtedly Catholic priests will work with this Protestant Federation, at least enough to check any step that might be taken which would advance purely Protestant ends. Yet, at the same time, the Catholic Church has her own distinct Federation, working with might and main for distinctly and confessedly Catholic ends. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 777.4

Now, in the nature of things, that situation can not long continue. This Protestant Federation will not very long be content to work smoothly along including Catholics, and especially modifying every move it makes, that it shall not prevent Catholic co-operation; while, all the time, there is this distinct Catholic Federation working steadily and solely for Catholic ends. And thus it is certain that, before long, these two federations will not only be distinct, but in antagonism. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 777.5

And when that time comes, then will be fulfilled that which is written: “Old controversies which have apparently been hushed for a long time will spring up; new and old will commingle.” And when they do, then, with national prestige and political as well as ecclesiastical power and preferment, the prizes to be contended for, all the bitterness and intensity of the old controversies will be revived and manifested, and even intensified. Commotion, strife, violence, persecution, and all the evil accompaniments of rivals to establish religion will afflict and ruin the nation, even as that former thing of the kind afflicted and finally ruined the Roman Empire. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 777.6

“Editorial Note” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 77, 49, p. 777.

IN the address before the Congregational Club at Washington, D. C., lately, Justice Brewer, of the United States Supreme Court, said:— ARSH December 4, 1900, page 777.1

The missionary’s work is not at first agreeable to the Chinaman, and it is not strange that there is a feeling against him when the Chinaman considers the treatment he is receiving at our hands. But missionary work must go on. No man is so vicious as the man who is skilled in the arts and sciences, but has not morals. The Chinaman has no morals. They only hope is to send with the man that goes to China to speculate, the man of the gospel, the man of the Bible, so as to lift him up into the ways of morality and peace. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 777.2

Yes; if there were only some means of keeping morally straight the man who goes there to speculate, the chances of helping the Chinaman would be wonderfully increased. But what hope is there of keeping the speculator straight when he prides himself on belonging to a “Christian nation,” and by this sanctifies all his crookedness, and despises the Chinaman as only a heathen with no morals. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 777.3

“Editorial Notes” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 77, 49, p. 777.

THE true nature of the “scientific theory” of the present day is again made perfectly plain by a leading German professor of church history, as follows:— ARSH December 4, 1900, page 777.1

No religious conception or idea, whether it be found in the Bible or in the confessions, can claim to be absolutely authoritative for all times, and consequently not for our age. It is the calling of theological professors intentionally to shake their hearers in their naïve [childlike] faith, to lead them into doubt, and there are those who on this dangerous way are lost. Hence it is our task to endanger souls. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 777.2

And the Independent, November 8, which presents this, speaks of it as even a “typical” utterance. That is what it is whether as to Germany or the United States; for now Germany is the source of “scientific theology” for the United States. ARSH December 4, 1900, page 777.3