The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 77

March 13, 1900

“The Third Angel’s Message” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 77, 11, p. 168.

“AND the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:9-12. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.1

Such is the Third Angel’s Message in itself. And what an awful thing it must be to “worship the beast and his image,” when the doing of it brings such fearful consequences as are here spoken? What a wicked thing it must be for any one to “worship the beast and his image,” when the warning against it must be put in such words as are the words of the warning in this message! And yet the worship of the beast and his image will be so widespread that the message of warning against it must be made universal in the words “if any man worship the beast and his image,” etc. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.2

The universality of this thing, and of the warning against it, is further shown in the fact that this angel follows the one of the eighth verse, and he follows the one of the sixth verse; and the message of the angel of the sixth verse is “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” And since the second and the third unmistakably must go “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue and people.” And since the second and the third follow this one, these two as well as the first unmistakably must go “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” And since this threefold message, culminating in the warning of the third angel against the worship of the beast and his image, this shows that the worship of the beast and his image will be found in every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.3

This is shown in yet another way. In the record of the beast it is said: “All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain fro the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him heart.” Revelation 13:8, 9. And of the other beast, which gives life unto the image of the beast, it is written that “he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast.” Revelation 13:12. These scriptures thus testify to the universality of the worship of the beast and his image. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.4

The beast is possessed of power and “great authority,” insomuch that “all the world wondered after the beast,” and exclaimed, “Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?” And all this power and great authority are exerted to compel all that dwell upon the earth to worship the beast. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.5

Then, when the other beast rises, which is instrumental in the making, and the giving of life to, the image of the beast, he, likewise, is possessed of great power, even as we have already read: “He exerciseth all the power of the first beast.” And all this power is put forth by this beast to compel all men to worship “the beast and his image.” ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.6

Thus, each of these terrible powers in the earth, singly and both of them together, exert all their power, singly and unitedly, to compel all to worship the two, both singly and unitedly. And to what extent they go in the exercise of this power is shown in the description of the work of the image of the beast, which is made alive and active by the “other beast,” which exercises “all the power of the first beast.” On this it is written: “He had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast SHOULD BE KILLED. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads; and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Revelation 13:15-17. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.7

Since, then, all this power, which is indeed all the power of the earth, is so exerted to compel all men to worship these terrible and terribly wicked powers, how appropriate it is that the first voice of the great threefold message should proclaim “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,” “Fear God, and give glory to him,” “and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.8

By this outline of the conditions of things in the world, which makes essential the loud, warning voice of the Third Angel’s Message, it is seen that in the time of this message there is a universal conflict between the powers of evil and the power of God. All the powers of “the beast and his image,” actuated by the spirit of the dragon, “which is the devil, and Satan,” are put forth to prevent all men everywhere from worshiping the true God. And because of this, and in view of the terrible consequences of such a thing, the Lord sends his great threefold message, warning all mankind against the terrible work of these powers, and calling upon all to worship him, the true God, who made heaven and earth, and the sea and the fountains of waters. From the scriptures relating to the case, it is evident that the contest is a terrible one. On the one hand is all the power and wrath of the beast and his image, persecuting unto death all who will not worship them. On the other hand is “the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation,” upon all who worship the beast and his image. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.9

And there will be those who will not worship the beast and his image,—those who will worship him that made heaven and earth, the sea and the fountains of waters,—who will not receive the mark of the beast in their foreheads or their hands, but will keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.10

And these get “the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name,” and “stand on the sea of glass” before the great white throne, “having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb,” which is the song of their triumph, through the power of God, over all false worship, over all the power of the beast and his image, exercised to enforce false worship. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.11

Next week the study in the message will be, What Is the Beast? and What His Image? ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.12

“Editorial” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 77, 11, p. 168.

THE “higher criticism,” which has thoroughly dissected the Old Testament, is now putting the same sort of effort upon the New Testament. In the January Contemporary Review, Dr. James Stalker says that “even orthodox German writers do not hesitate to characterize a saying of Christ as unauthentic, if it does not square with their own opinions;” and that “it is more than possible that within the next decade the Gospels may be issued from the press, printed in all the colors of the rainbow to indicate the different documents of which they are composed, as is happening to the books of the Old Testament at the present hour. The materials already exist in abundance for such an effort; and only a bold hand is required to appropriate them.” Since faith comes by the word of God, and since the word of God throughout is thus treated, did not Jesus do well to inquire, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Preach the Word. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.1

“Studies in Galatians. Galatians 3:19” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 77, 11, pp. 168, 169.

“Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.” ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.1

By each particular clause of this verse, considered by itself alone, we have found that the law of God—the ten commandments in written form, as given at Sinai, and as in the Bible—is the law that is pre-eminently meant, and is the only one that meets all the requirements of all the specifications so far considered. What now of this one—“till the seed should come to whom the promise was made”? ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.2

There are two laws referred to in Galatians. That is settled. They were both added; and they were both added because of transgressions. But which is pre-eminently the law referred to in that place, and its connection? That is the question here. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.3

There are also two comings of the seed, which is Christ; and it is proper and fair to ask, Which is the coming referred to here? Why should any one settle and firmly fix as the coming of this passage a coming that requires that a law shall also be settled and fixed as the law of the passage, which will not meet the requirements of the passage in its connection? That is what has been done; and it has been the great defect in the usual consideration of this passage of Scripture. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.4

Those who are the enemies of the law of God in any form, and who would be glad to have it abolished in every form, but who do not know that that law could not by any possibility be abolished, have always wrung this verse in to do service in that terribly mistaken cause. These eagerly seize upon and settle it that the coming of the Seed here referred to is the first coming of Christ. They never look beyond the single clause: it is not to their interest to do so; because the only use they have for this scripture is that they may support their determination that the law of God is abolished. Thus the enemies of the law of God. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.5

On the other hand, the friends of the law of God know that it is true that there was a law abolished at the first coming of Christ. And since here is a law that was added “till the seed should come,” these friends of the law of God allow, and even settle upon, the claim of the enemies of the law of God, that the first coming of Christ is the coming that is here meant: THEN, and CONSEQUENTLY the law that was abolished is decided to be the law here referred to. But it must be confessed that this is a weak way of getting at the thing. It bears on its face more the aspect of the begging of the question than of a real study and discovery of the truth as it is in the Word, for the truth’s sake. As a matter of fact, there is nothing in the passage, nor any where in this whole connection, that suggests the abolition of any law. The subject is, Wherefore serveth the law? What is the purpose, the object, the aim, of the law? ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.6

But there are two comings of the Seed. There is another, the second coming of Christ as well as there was the first. Is it impossible that this second coming of the Seed should be the coming referred to in this passage? There are other similar expressions in the Scripture. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.7

For instance, Ezekiel 21:27. Speaking of the removing of the diadem and crown of the king of Judah, it says: “I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it; and it shall be no more, until HE COME whose right it is; and I will give it to him.” What coming is this? The answer to this question can be given only by a consideration of the facts in the case, He came, but instead of receiving that crown, he received a crown of thorns; instead of being seated upon that throne, he was nailed to the cross. So we know that that was not the coming referred to in the text, but that it is his second coming “seated upon the throne of his father David, and having on his head many crowns. Then it is that the kingdom of this world becomes the kingdom of our Lord. and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15, R.V. And this is the coming of him whose right it is, that is referred to in the text, and then it will be given him. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 168.8

Again, it is written that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent’s head. That Seed CAME, and did not bruise the serpent’s head, but himself was bruised instead. Isaiah 53:5. And after he had come, and had thus been bruised, even to death; had risen again from the dead; and had ascended to heaven,—even thirty years after these things—it was written: “The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.” Romans 16:20. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.1

In Daniel 2 it is written: “In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.” Daniel 2:44. We all know that it is generally held by the ministers of the day that this was done at the first coming of Christ: that there the stone was cut out without hands, and is to roll on, and on, and on, until it fills the whole earth. But WE know that when he was here, he said, “My kingdom is not of this world,” and “not from hence.” John 18:36. And so we know that this scripture is fulfilled at his second coming. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.2

Now, why should it be thought impossible that Galatians 3:19 should refer to his second coming? Look at the situation as it is in the text, with its context: “Till the seed should come to whom the promise was made.” What promise?—The promise of the inheritance, unquestionably: as it is written: “For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made.” Thus it is fixed by the Word itself that the promise referred to is the promise of the inheritance. And whatever law it is that is here referred to, it is given, added, till He comes to whom the promise of the inheritance was made. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.3

Now, at his first coming did he receive any of the inheritance?—No; no more than did Abraham, to whom with him, the promise was made. He “had not where to lay his head.” And of him it was equally true, as with Abraham, that he received “none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.4

Notice, too, particularly, that the clause says, “Till the seed should come to whom,“—not concerning whom, but TO whom—“the promise was made.” That is, the promise referred to was made to HIM, personally; and not simply to somebody, concerning him. But it is fixed by the text that the promise is the promise of the inheritance. This promise was made to Abraham and to his seed, which is Christ; and this was done when the promise was made to Abraham. But, further, it was also done TO the seed himself in person, which is Christ. Read it in the second psalm: “The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” Verses 7, 8. Here is the promise of the inheritance made direct to the seed, which is Christ. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.5

Now, when is this promise fulfilled? And when something should be done, make, or instituted, “till the seed should come TO whom” that promise was made, then which coming would be the true and the only logical one that could be considered?—Plainly, the coming that would be at the receiving of the inheritance REFERRED TO THE PROMISE; and with which alone the promise is concerned. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.6

Therefore, considering what the promise is plainly in the scriptures declared to be,—the promise of the inheritance,—and considering that this promise relates and pertains particularly, and above all, to his second coming, it is evident that the second coming of Christ, rather than his first, is the one referred to in the clause “till the seed should come to whom the promise was made. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.7

And since by every other clause of the verse, we have found that the law of God, as given on tables of stone at Sinai, and in the Bible, is the one pre-eminently referred to, and the only one that will meet all the specifications of all the clauses; and since the coming referred to in this clause is the coming in connection with the inheritance and the receiving of it, this settles it beyond all possibility of controversy that the law of God, the ten commandments, as given on the tables of stone and in the Bible, must remain in full force and obligation UNTIL THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST and the end of the world. And we all know that it will not be abolished then. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.8

It is always true that those scriptures that Satan fixes upon and uses most tenaciously to prove the abolition of the law of God are the very ones which, when truly grasped, are seen to most conclusively and most beautifully show its everlasting integrity and obligation. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.9

Look at the subject further. The inheritance is the thing referred to in the promise. But with what is the inheritance connected?—Plainly, and only, with God’s covenant with Abraham—the everlasting covenant. Notice in the context that “the covenant [that is the covenant with Abraham, the everlasting covenant] that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, can not disannul, that it should make the promise [the promise of the inheritance of that covenant] of none effect.” Galatians 3:17. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.10

As we have seen in a former study, the inheritance is the great thing in the covenant with Abraham, the everlasting covenant. Indeed, the covenant with Abraham was made by God in pledge to Abraham that he should inherit that which God had promised. For after God had promised it to him, Abraham said, “Whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?” And, in answer, God made with him, and entered into with him, that blood covenant, in which he pledged his life that the promise of the inheritance should never fail. Genesis 15:8, 18. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.11

And as we also found in the former studies, all that ever come in after that covenant was made, was, in blessing men, to enable them to attain to the fullness of that covenant, and to the inheritance of which that everlasting covenant is the pledge. And this was exactly the object of the giving of the law of God on tables of stone on Mount Sinai, and in the Bible. For if men had kept that covenant, they would have kept God’s law in mind, and there would have been no necessity for it to be proclaimed from Sinai or engraved upon the tables of stone.” The object of that law, thus written and given to men, bringing transgressions to a head, making sins abound, was and is that men might find the grace of Christ much more abounding,—that through him they might attain to the fullness of that everlasting covenant with Abraham, and so to the inheritance of which that covenant was and is the pledge. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.12

And to allow the coming of the seed to whom the promise of the inheritance was made, to be the second coming of Christ, and not his first,—this gives opportunity for the law of God, in its written form, to fulfill its grand object, which is the bringing of men, through faith in Christ, to the fullness of that everlasting covenant. The fullness of that everlasting covenant is the righteousness of God—the keeping of the commandments, and the faith of Jesus.” And men must be brought to the fullness of that everlasting covenant in order that they may receive the inheritance, of which that everlasting covenant is the pledge. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.13

That this view is the correct one, and is the truth of the matter, is emphasized by the fact that the everlasting covenant is not met in its fullness, in believers, until the second coming of Christ; that is, till the seed really comes to whom the promise of the inheritance was made. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.14

One provision of that everlasting covenant is. “I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts.” And that provision will not be accomplished in its fullness until, by the Third Angel’s Message, men are brought to the actual keeping of “the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus;” so that the Lord, looking down from heaven upon them, can say, in perfect truth: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.15

Another provision of that covenant is: And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord; for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.” Hebrews 8:11. Although we are now living in the times of the new covenant as really as was Abraham, yet neither the world nor we have attained to that point where it is not necessary any more for any man to teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, Know the Lord. And this part of the everlasting covenant will not be met in its fullness until, through the blessing and power of God in the Third Angel’s Message, the mystery of God shall have been finished. Colossians 1:26, 27; Revelation 19:7. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.16

It is not necessary here to take up all the clauses of the new covenant one by one. These are enough to illustrate the truth that the everlasting covenant, the new covenant, the covenant with Abraham, which is the pledge of the inheritance that is promised to the Seed, is not met in its fullness in those who accept it, till the second coming of Christ. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.17

And if this be not plain enough by the scriptures presented, or is not convincing enough, then read the following sentences from the testimony of Jesus, which is the Spirit of Prophesy:— ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.18

It was at midnight that God chose to deliver his people. As the wicked were mocking around them, suddenly the sun appeared; shining in his strength, and the moon stood still. The wicked looked upon the scene with amazement, while the saints beheld with solemn joy the tokens of their deliverance. Signs and wonders followed in quick succession. Everything seemed turned out of its natural course. The streams ceased to flow. Dark, heavy clouds came up and clashed against each other. But there was one clear place of settled glory, whence came the voice of God like many waters, shaking the heavens and the earth. There was a mighty earthquake. The graves were opened, and those who had died in faith under the Third Angel’s Message, keeping the Sabbath, came form from their dusty beds, glorified, to hear the covenant of peace that God was to make with those who had kept his law. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.19

The sky opened and shut, and was in commotion. The mountains shook like a reed in the wind, and cast out ragged rocks all around. The sea boiled like a pot, and cast out stones upon the land. And as God spoke the day and the hour of JESUS’ COMING, and delivered the EVERLASTING COVENANT to his people, he spoke one sentence, and then paused, while the words were rolling through the earth. The Israel of God stood with their eyes fixed upward, listening to the words as they came from the mouth of Jehovah, and rolled through the earth like peals of loudest thunder...The wicked could not look upon them [the saints] for the glory. And when the never-ending blessing was pronounced on those who had honored God in keeping his Sabbath holy, there was a mighty shout of victory over the beast and over his image.”—Early Writings, 145, 146. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.20

The following quotation also, though concerning in substance what is in the foregoing quotation, contains statements that make it worth printing in this connection:— ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.21

With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil men are about to rush upon their prey, when lo, a dense blackness, deeper than the darkness of the night, falls upon the earth. Then a rainbow, shining with the glory from the throne of God, spans the heavens, and seems to encircle each praying company. The angry multitudes are suddenly arrested. Their mocking cries die away. The objects of their murderous rage are forgotten. With fearful forebodings they gaze upon the symbol of God’s covenant, and long to be shielded from its overpowering brightness... In the midst of the angry heavens is one clear space of indescribable glory, whence comes the voice of God like the sound of many waters, saying. “It is done.” That voice shakes the heavens and the earth. There is a mighty earthquake, “such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake and so great.” ... Graves are opened, and “many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth” “awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” All who have died in the faith of the Third Angel’s Message come forth from the tomb, glorified, to hear God’s covenant of peace with those who have kept his law.... ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.22

The voice of God is heard from heaven, declaring the day and hour of Jesus’ coming and delivering the everlasting covenant to his people.... ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.23

Soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a man’s hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour, and which seems in the distance to be shrouded in darkness. The people of God know this to be the sign of the Son of Man. In solemn silence they gaze upon it as it draws nearer the earth, becoming lighter and more glorious until it is a great white cloud, its base a glory like consuming fire, and above it, the rainbow of THE COVENANT.—“Great Controversy” pages 635-641. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 169.24

And when the saints of God have thus attained to the fullness of the everlasting covenant, the covenant with Abraham, when the object of the giving of the law from Sinai, and in the Bible, has thus been accomplished, the law will not then be abolished, but will be kept in mind, in heart, in soul, just as it was by Adam, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham, when as yet there was “no necessity for it to be proclaimed from Sinai, or written on the tables of stone.” Instead of being then abolished, it will be observed and lived more fully and more perfectly that ever before by men. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.1

And this is “Wherefore serveth the law?” And this is why it is that “it was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise [of the inheritance] was made, and it was ordained by [the disposition, the grand array of] angels in the hand of a mediator.” ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.2

We are thoroughly convinced that more genuine study, and far more profitable study can be put upon Galatians 3:19, and the rest of the chapter, and the whole book, by Seventh-day Adventists, than has ever yet been put upon it by us or anybody else. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.3

“Editorial Note” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 77, 11, pp. 170, 171.

PUERTO RICO is a possession of the United States; and so is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.1

For more than a year the United States, by her officials, has governed the people of Puerto Rico. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.2

Those people are therefore subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.3

The Constitution of the United States says: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to their jurisdiction are citizens of the United States.” ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.4

Just now Congress and the national administration are, and for about two weeks have been, earnestly discussing the proposition, and the House has already decided, that, though the Puerto Ricans are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, they are not citizens of the United States, because the Constitution does not extend to Puerto Rico. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.5

In order to maintain this proposition, it is held that the term “United States” is restricted to, and is declared to mean, only the States; that it does not include the Territories at all; and that, therefore, the people of the Territories and of the island possessions are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Congress, and can never have any of the benefits of the Constitution as of the Constitution, nor at all unless Congress chooses to extend to them said benefits. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.6

This procedure, if confirmed by the Senate, at once inaugurates, as a principle of the United States government, the principle of government without the Constitution. It at once sets Congress above the Constitution; and so makes Congress absolute everywhere except in the States. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.7

The President of the United States admits that “if the Constitution of itself extends to every possession over which the flag flies,” “it would be necessary to give up the Philippines;” and that “if the Supreme Court [by a decision] compels us to take the archipelago within the Constitution,” he “will advocate abandonment of the islands.” ARSH March 13, 1900, page 171.1

Thus it is admitted on the highest authority that the new career entered upon by the United States can not be followed under the Constitution; but must be followed without the Constitution, or not at all. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 171.2

This is precisely what we have said from the beginning. Every step that has so far been taken in this course, we have called attention to, and shown that it was in principle the abandonment of the Constitution. Now the matter has come to a crisis, and it is not only admitted but declared by the highest possible national authority. This whole country is awake. Congress is all astir. The Senate is now deliberating upon this mighty question in its crisis at the final parting of the ways. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 171.3

Will not nation now consciously abandon its Constitution for empire and absolutism? With intense interest we await the answer which in a few days will be made by the event of national action. For when this nation shall “repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government,” this national apostasy means speedy national ruin. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 171.4

“‘What Do These Things Mean?’” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 77, 11, p. 170.

DUTY is plain: the selling time has come if means is demanded to advance the cause and work of God, and can not be raised without selling your extra land and your extra houses. AWAKE, BRETHREN, TO THE CALL OF DUTY.—E. G. W., in REVIEW AND HERALD, No. 6, 1885. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.1

Everything in the world is hastening to a finish. The world is throwing its whole soul into what it is doing, and it is making things move. Why, then, is it that many of God’s institutions and enterprises are standing still or staggering right on the border line of eternity?—Clearly because we are not putting our whole soul into them to make them stand up stiffly for the truth, and move forward with power and life. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.2

It is true that in many instances there has not been the best management. But there is only one thing that can be done about this now. That is to tell the Lord that we have been all wrong, and altogether repent of the evil, and go on and do better. It is no manner of use for us to stand still, and blame those who have had charge of things. we might not have done any better if we had been in their places. “Thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.” Those who have had the management of things are not the only ones who can be rightly accused of wasting the means entrusted to their care. All of us have been guilty of this to a greater or less extent. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.3

In the Battle Creek College there has been mismanagement. God has reproved it; and the men who were in it have freely confessed it, and have repented of it. Many of them are doing all that they can to make amends. They are doing this in a real, material way, sacrificing, and giving of their means. Now the Lord has spoken, and has said that the debt of the college should be raised. This debt aggregates over $70,000. As there are other colleges and institutions in other districts that also have debts, it is asked that the people of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin take upon them the raising of this debt. Come along, brethren and sisters, and let us do it! It will be a bright and joyful day when this debt, which is one of the oldest as well as one of the largest resting upon a Seventh-day Adventist institution, is lifted. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.4

To lift this debt will mean for some persons to sell extra lands and houses. There are those among Seventh-day Adventists in the four States mentioned who do have extra lands and extra houses. Will these now sell these extra lands and houses, and relieve the suffering school? Or will they give these extra lands and houses to the school, so that it can sell them and free itself? ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.5

Here are a few paragraphs from Testimonies for the Church 1:175, 175:— ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.6

He [God] could send means from heaven to carry on His work; but this is out of His order. He has ordained that men should be His instruments, that as a great sacrifice was made to redeem them, they should act a part in this work of salvation, by making a sacrifice for one another, and by thus doing show how highly they prize the sacrifice that has been made for them. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.7

I was directed to James 5:1-3: “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.” ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.8

I saw that these fearful words apply particularly to the wealthy who profess to believe the present truth. The Lord calls them to use their means to advance His cause. Opportunities are presented to them, but they shut their eyes to the wants of the cause, and cling fast to their earthly treasure.... They give a little now and then to ease their conscience, but have not overcome their love for this world.... The work is closing; and soon the means of those who have kept their riches, their large farms, their cattle, etc., will not be wanted. I saw the Lord turn to such in anger, in wrath, and repeat these words: “Go to now, ye rich men.” He has called, but you would not hear. Love of this world has drowned His voice. Now He has no use for you, and lets you go, bidding you: “Go to now, ye rich men.” ... ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.9

I was shown that as the work is closing up, and the truth is going forth in mighty power, these rich men will bring their means and lay it at the feet of the servants of God, begging them to accept it. The answer from the servants of God will be: “Go to now, ye rich men.” Your means is not needed. Ye withheld it when ye could do good with it in advancing the cause of God. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.10

Again, on page 152, are the words:— ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.11

Oh, the blighting influence that has been cast by men professing to be waiting for their Lord, and yet possessing large and attractive lands! The farms have preached louder, yes, much louder, than words can, that this world is their home. The evil day is put off. Peace and safety reign. Oh, the withering, blighting influence! God hates such worldly-mindedness. “Cut loose, cut loose,” were the words of the angel. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.12

Let us all do all we can for the Lord and unto the Lord in this matter. We have before stated what Sister White is doing for the college, in giving all the proceeds from this school district, of a new and most valuable book that is coming out. Those in the school have done a great deal already, and are going to do more. Let all the people in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin make generous contributions, March 17, to relieve the college of its slavish burden. All contributions should be sent to P. T. Magan, College, Battle Creek, Mich. ARSH March 13, 1900, page 170.13

ALONZO T. JONES, Pres. College Board.