General Conference Bulletin, vol. 6

The Sermon - THE MESSAGE FOR THE HOUR

W. W. PRESCOTT

Thursday, May 20, 7:45 P. M.

“The voice of one saying, Cry. And one said, What shall I cry? The voice of one saying, Proclaim; and one said, What shall I proclaim?” GCB May 25, 1909, page 150.23

Three things I will speak about: 1 That the times demand a definite, clearcut gospel message; 2 that God has given such a message to meet the demands of the time; 3 that every messenger should have such a clear understanding of the message that he will be able to deliver it to meet the demands of the time. GCB May 25, 1909, page 150.24

1. The times demand a definite, clearcut gospel message. It has been so in the time of every gospel crisis. One instance will illustrate. John the Baptist gave a definite message when he prepared the way for the first advent of our Lord. The voice of one saying, “Cry.” And one said, “What shall I cry?” And he answered: “All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, because the breath of Jehovah bloweth upon it; surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever.” Then came the exhortation, “Get thee up into the high mountain! O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand.” GCB May 25, 1909, page 150.25

When John the Baptist was inquired of concerning his work, and was asked whether he was the Messiah, he said, “No.” “Art thou that prophet?” and he said, “No.” “Art thou Elijah?” and and he said, “I am the voice of one that crieth;” and his message was based upon the instruction given in the prophecy of the fortieth chapter of Isaiah. GCB May 25, 1909, page 150.26

Yet John the Baptist did not say to the people in that form of words, “All flesh is grass.” When the people came out at his preaching, he said, “O generation of vipers,” speaking to the Pharisees, “who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? bring forth therefore fruit meet for repentance; and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father.” This was his application of that scripture, “All flesh is grass.” They were not to pride themselves upon race or birth or parentage. It must be character. That was the first part of his message, “All flesh is grass.” GCB May 25, 1909, page 150.27

The second part was, “Behold your God.” John the Baptist did not use this exact form of words. But one day when Jesus passed by, John pointed to him, and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!” It was necessary, in order that Israel should be able to recognize the Messiah, and to receive him, that they should place no confidence in the flesh; that they should forget that they belonged to the chosen people, and should depend only upon character; and, further, that that character should be the character, or the righteousness, of God; and that they should be able to recognize God manifested in the flesh in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, even though he was of humble, lowly birth. So John’s message to them was simply a development of those two principles, no confidence in the flesh, all confidence in God. GCB May 25, 1909, page 150.28

Just the same as John the Baptist had a definite message, based upon a definite scripture, in the preparation of the way for the first advent of Christ, so it is necessary that in the preparation of the way for the second advent, there should be an equally definite message, based upon the clear statement of the Scripture. GCB May 25, 1909, page 150.29

Now as to the demand at this time for a clear-cut gospel message, based upon the Scripture, that shall teach to all the people the fundamental truths of original Christianity. GCB May 25, 1909, page 150.30

It is not best to spend too much time dwelling upon apostasies and departures from the truth; yet sometimes it is necessary to take a sufficient view in order to be able to adapt the message of truth to the needs of the time; and, as showing the demand for a clear-cut gospel message, based upon Scripture, I want to call your attention, briefly, to some of the very marked and startling departures from the truths of God’s Word, on the part, mainly, of those who profess to believe in, and to teach, his Word. GCB May 25, 1909, page 150.31

Let me call your attention, then, to the fact that the two-horned beast of Revelation 13, representing this country, represents in its two horns two mental principles, republicanism and Protestantism. Both of these principles have received perhaps their clearest and purest illustration in the history of this country,—the first nation of the world to be founded upon the true principle, the Christian principle, of the entire separation of church and state—a church without a pope, a state without a king. GCB May 25, 1909, page 150.32

When these two fundamental truths are discarded, are set aside, America is no longer the country that it has been. We have looked forward to the time when this would be true. We have declared, on the basis of the prophecy, that it would come. To-day I think we may clearly say it has come. Not merely basing this upon an assertion, but calling your attention to statements that are attracting the widest attention just now, I refer to the series of articles just being published in one of the leading magazines, the Cosmopolitan. GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.1

Here is the editor’s note, introducing the articles, in the May number:— GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.2

“What Mr. Bolce sets down here is of the most astounding character. Out of the curricula of American colleges a dynamic movement is upheaving ancient foundations, and promising a way for revolutionary thought and life. Those who are not in close touch with the great colleges of the country will be astonished to learn the creeds being fostered by the faculties of our great universities. In hundreds of classrooms it is being taught daily that the decalogue is no more sacred than a syllabus; that the home as an institution is doomed; that there are no absolute evils; that immorality is simply an act in contravention of society’s accepted standards; that democracy is a failure, and the Declaration of Independence only spectacular rhetoric; that the change from one religion to another is like getting a new hat; that moral precepts are passing shibboleths; that conceptions of right and wrong are as unstable as styles of dress; that wide stairways are open between social levels, but that to the climber children are encumbrances; that the sole effect of prolificacy is to fill tiny graves; and that there can be and are holier alliances without the marriage relation than within it. These are some of the revolutionary and sensational teachings submitted with academic warrant to the minds of hundreds of thousands of students in the United States. It is time that the public realized what is being taught to the youth of this country. ‘The social question to-day,’ says Disraeli, ‘is only a zephyr which rustles the leaves, but will soon become a hurricane.’ It is a dull ear that can not hear the mutterings of the coming storm.” GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.3

This is simply the editor’s brief outline of what is to be found in this series of articles. [Here the speaker read extracts from the articles, giving names of universities and professors, with quotations from their teachings fully justifying the editor’s outline.] GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.4

Mr. Bolce gives the statistics, and says that there are 229,000 students getting such instruction as this. “Do you not believe, Professor,” he asked in one class-room, “that Moses got the ten commandments in the way the Scriptures tell?” GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.5

“The professor smiled. ‘I do not,’ he said. ‘It is unscientific and absurd to imagine that God ever turned stonemason and chiseled commandments on a rock.’” GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.6

Comment is unnecessary. Religion is relegated to the background, and philosophy and reasoning take its place. Is there need that some voice should cry? Is there need that there should be a clear-cut, definite gospel message to the people of this generation now? GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.7

But there was that other horn, representing republicanism, democracy. This same writer, in his article in the June number of the Cosmopolitan, touches upon this question:— GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.8

“Eminent college men—among them Pres. Woodrow Wilson, of Princeton; Prof. Barrett Wendell, of Harvard; and Prof. William Graham Sumner, of Yale—hold that the doctrines of the founders of this republic have long since served their day, and should no longer be applied to the needs of the present.... Professor Sumner has little respect for the ‘great principles’ of 1776. They were invented, he teaches, because some new classes had won wealth and economic power, and wanted to secure political recognition. He asserts fearlessly, and other professors in other institutions support him, that what we have been accustomed to regard as lofty teachings, developed in that day, are nothing but high-sounding rodomontade; and he does not conceal his delight over the fact, as he proclaims it, that some of the old jingle of words is dead. Conspicuous among these rhetorical delusions of colonial times is the doctrine that proclaims that governments get their just powers from the consent of the governed. Professor Sumner teaches that this doctrine is untrue, that it has been trodden underfoot, and that the same fate awaits the rest of the principles which, seen through the mists of the Revolutionary War, have seemed great to us. GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.9

“There is scholastic refusal to worship the past. A number of professors agree that the Declaration of Independence is a dead document, and that the fading of the original in a safe at Washington symbolizes what should be the end of this mass of glittering generalities. Contending that the principles of 1776 are absurd, Professor Sumner declares that men are no more equal than they are of one size. ‘The doctrine,’ he says, ‘that all men are equal,’ is being gradually dropped from its inherent absurdity, and we may at any time find it expedient to drop the jingle about ‘a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.’” GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.10

This is not the raving of a socialist on a sand-lot. It is the teaching of a professor of political science in one of the leading educational institutions of this country. Is this country to repudiate her principles of republicanism? I can not take time to read further, but I have given you a glimpse of it. GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.11

We have drawn the curtain aside for a moment to take a look, just a glimpse, at what is beyond. The changes in the history of this country, from the religious standpoint and from the political standpoint, are remarkable. These recent changes are nothing short of sensational. GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.12

Now I maintain that there is only one body of people who as a whole have repudiated just such teachings as this; who have met some of these very principles face to face, and declared against them; and who have maintained, and are still maintaining, the old platform of Christianity. To this band of people, who stand upon that platform, and who commit themselves to that work, there is nothing short of a terrific responsibility. GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.13

Now take a view of the other side. I have briefly alluded to some of the teachings of Protestantism. I want to call your attention for a moment to the Roman Catholic program for this country. It is best stated in their own words, as I surely shall not be misrepresenting the matter if I read their own statements. Here is an extract from an editorial in a Roman Catholic paper published in Chicago, The New World, dated Oct. 21, 1905:— GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.14

“There has never been a period in American history when the church’s opportunity has been so close to her. To a great extent the ancient antagonisms have died. Protestantism is disintegrating before our eyes.... The moment is ripe to build a Catholic America, broader and stronger, and nobler and truer, than any empire the world has yet seen, and strong men are now laying the foundations. To-morrow you may see the walls rising; look forward an hundred years and you will see the vast edifice complete, extending from the first rays of the morning sun to the twilight splendor of the evening star. Those who lay the corner-stones may not live to behold their work stand finished, but unborn generations will bless them for the courage they had, and for the holy purpose with which they toiled.” GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.15

Again, the Western Watchman of St. Louis, Oct. 29, 1908, gives the following:— GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.16

“His Holiness is enthusiastic over America, especially the United States. To begin with, he likes our government and our public officials, with whom he has come into official relations. It must be confessed that the United States has treated Rome well whenever we had an opportunity.... Despoiled and persecuted in countries called Catholic; hampered and thwarted by Protestant governments, the church is given fair play and even-handed justice only in the United States. No wonder, then, the Holy Father feels kindly toward us as a nation. GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.17

“But it is to the Catholics of the United States that Pius X’s heart goes out. He is amazed at our material and spiritual progress. The church is making advances only in America. Churches are multiplying here with wondrous rapidity. New dioceses are being formed every few years, and the dioceses already in existence are becoming cumbrous with the number of their clergy and people. Few bishops in Europe ever laid a corner-stone. It is a ceremony almost unknown. The church over there is growing weaker by dissensions and emigration. The outlook across the water is very discouraging to any but those of the strongest faith. In the midst of the gloom, abandoned by those who should stand by him in his agony, the Holy Father appeals to this country for comfort and support. And he appeals not in vain. American shoulders are to-day holding up the Vatican. Its revenues are largely derived from this country; and what is now a steady stream will soon be an on-flowing river.” GCB May 25, 1909, page 151.18

That is the Catholic estimate of the present situation and the outlook. What does it mean? Protestantism disintegrating, Protestantism dying, Protestantism no longer a force which needs to be reckoned with by the Roman Catholic Church; the field open now for the Roman Catholic Church to take possession of America, and to make America a Catholic country. GCB May 25, 1909, page 152.1

One word further: On June 29, 1908, a papal decree was sent forth remodeling what is known as the Roman Congregations, “taking the United States out of the category of missionary countries and placing it in a co-ordinate place with Italy, France, and Spain in the family of Christian nations.” GCB May 25, 1909, page 152.2

This means that the United States, by a papal decree, stands on the same basis as all Christian Catholic countries—such as Spain, Italy, and France before the Concordat was broken. This means that in the Roman Catholic mind the time is ripe for a remarkable onward movement, and the movement has already been inaugurated. In the great Catholic congress in New York City, in the great gathering at St. Louis, in the first missionary council at Chicago last November, steps were taken by the Roman Catholic hierarchy making it evident that in their view the time has come to make a tremendous movement to Catholicize America. GCB May 25, 1909, page 152.3

And where is the protest? Where is the protest against that program? Protestantism dying; Protestantism disintegrating; Protestantism having disowned its own principles;—with what weapon can Protestantism meet the onward march of Catholicism? What, then, is the demand for the time?—It is the message against the beast and his image. GCB May 25, 1909, page 152.4

In a very few words in the fourteenth chapter of the book of Revelation, in words familiar to almost every one in this audience, an outline—a syllabus, as it were—is given for the message of this generation. As time moves on, as developments come to our attention, more and more can it be seen how remarkably those principles apply at this time. GCB May 25, 1909, page 152.5

Now what is the bounden, solemn duty of every one who goes forth to carry this message to the world at this time? Circumstances here in America may be a little different from other countries, and yet the same principles apply. This message, which is to enlighten the world with its glory,—this message which is to call out a people from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people,—should be declared with clearness, with power, and with an adaptation to the circumstances of the hour that will command the attention of the people, that will lift up a standard to those who are looking here and looking there to see what standard of truth they can rally to. GCB May 25, 1909, page 152.6

2. Then, I say, secondly, God has given a message—a clear-cut message—adapted to the needs of this hour. It will bear a deal of study. It is not giving the message merely to repeat forms of words; it is not giving the message merely to take up teachings of a half-century ago, and repeat them. The teachings of a half-century ago in this message are the platform to-day; but the same truths, the same principles, have a new meaning, have a luster and a glory, that they could not have had at that time. The more I see of the developments in the world, the more I see that nowhere else can you turn to find the message for this hour. It is a wonderful thing. We are nothing; we have neither wealth nor talent nor standing to command attention. But here is a truth which, when understood and taught under the guidance of God’s Spirit, will itself command attention. It is a living thing. It is the living message to the world. It must be known as such; it must be taught as such; and then it will have power in it. GCB May 25, 1909, page 152.7

To my mind, there is no need of theories, there is no need of discussing why there is a lack of power, or how we shall get power. Get the message in the life. There is power in God’s message when it is his message and not the message of man. GCB May 25, 1909, page 152.8

I would like just to call attention now briefly to some other things that are attracting public attention. They can not escape our observation. They can not stay outside our sphere of thought. GCB May 25, 1909, page 152.9

Who in America has not had his attention called over and over again to the Emmanuel Movement? Who in America has not been confronted again and again with Christian Science? Who in America does not hear on every hand, in every town and hamlet, those teachings of scientific infidelity that have in the last half-century taken out from underneath the gospel its very foundation? It was only this year that the centenary of Charles Darwin was celebrated by scientists; and I noticed an editorial in one of the leading religious journals, summing up the results of Charles Darwin’s work as it affected theology. Speaking of the results of his work, it says:— GCB May 25, 1909, page 152.10

“Darwinism has revolutionized not merely biology, but all the sciences, including theology.... The new conception of life which he gave to the world has entered the Protestant churches, where it is known as the New Theology, and the Roman Catholic Church, where it is known as Modernism.... The Bible is not an infallible book about religion, written by the amanuenses of the Almighty; it is the historical record of the spiritual experiences of the spiritual leaders of a spiritually endowed people. Redemption is not the recovery of a lost state of innocence; it is the development of a spiritual order of creation merging from an animal condition and being educated toward a splendor of divine character and life as yet inconceivable by us. The fall is not a historical episode occurring in a remote past; it is the individual experience of every man when, by conscious disobedience of the laws of his own developed nature, he descends into or toward animal nature from which he has partially emerged. The world is not a natural order in which occasional glimpses of a higher Being may be seen, thanks to his occasional interferences; it is the perpetual and continuous expression of his Presence [note the idea of the immanence of God—God everywhere; God in everything], so that the natural is always supernatural and the supernatural always most natural. And history is not the despairing struggle of a ‘remnant’ against the ignorance, superstition, and malignancy of a fallen race of men on their way to become devils; it is the evolution of a race in the making, toward a goal predetermined for them by their Maker and their Friend.”—The Outlook, Feb. 20, 1909. GCB May 25, 1909, page 152.11

Who has not heard of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, an organization including 18,000,000 communicants and 50,000,000 adherents, publicly declaring that they constitute a majority of the people of America, and, as one paper said, referring to this matter, “When such a body, representing such a number of people, speaks, the people will listen to its voice.” Now, these are only some of the phases of American life, some of the developments of the last few years. GCB May 25, 1909, page 152.12

3. What, then, is the message needed for the hour? It is not the preaching of the things I have been reading about. It is the preaching of positive truth that will be the answer to every one of these errors. It will be a message against the false teaching of the beast, Roman Catholicism; it will be a message against every perversion of truth; it will be a call to primitive Christianity, the Christianity of Christ. How, then, shall we sum up just in a few words the message needed for the hour? The message of the personal God, the Creator,—“Worship him that made heaven and earth, the sea, and the fountains of waters;” a message of the infallible Word of God,—“The Word of our God shall stand forever:” a message of the incarnation of Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of man,—“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us;” a message of the deity and divinity of Jesus Christ; a message of righteousness as the gift of God through faith, not in the control of any church or any worldly priesthood; a message of the atoning sacrifice of Christ as the sufficient sacrifice; a message of life only through Christ; a message of the obligation of the commandments of God,—“Here are they that keep the commandments of God;” a message of the priesthood of Christ; a message of the judgment hour,—“The hour of his judgment is come;” a message of the nearness of the second advent, Behold the Lord Jehovah cometh; behold, his reward is with him; a message such as John the Baptist gave, which points out the utter weakness of the flesh, which discards everything that savors of the flesh, or self-exaltation, or self-righteousness, or self-salvation, and says in every way, though not necessarily in these words, but in every form of teaching: “All flesh is grass: behold your God.” GCB May 25, 1909, page 152.13