General Conference Bulletin, vol. 7

THE SERMON

W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, C. C. Crisler, T. E. Bowen, H. E. Rogers, J. N. Anderson

Thursday, May 15, 7:30 P. M.

After the singing of several spirited songs by the congregation and a few selections by the choir and the seminary male quarter, Elder Daniells spoke to a large assembly of people that filled the entire pavillion to overflowing. He chose for his text Luke 4:13, the theme of Jesus’ first public discourse. GCB May 16, 1913, page 16.17

According to the speaker the central thought in the mind of Jesus as he quoted that prophecy was that his claim to the Messiahship rested on the fact that he fulfilled prophecy. This is the highest kind of evidence, and it virtually amounts to a demonstration. In matters of religious interest the human mind demands convincing evidence, and every true religious movement must rest on just such evidence. Several instances were adduced from the Scriptures showing that God’s messengers—John the Baptist, the apostles, and others—have repeatedly and regularly rested their messages on the fulfilling of prophecy. GCB May 16, 1913, page 16.18

On the basis of these facts Elder Daniells very forcibly set before his hearers the practical truths of this theme as applied to ourselves and our message. We must in a fuller and in a more universal sense say with conviction and with the unction of the Spirit, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” GCB May 16, 1913, page 16.19

He next called attention to the fact that the leading features of the three-fold advent message have been and are being fulfilled before our very eyes and the eyes of the whole world. Is not then the evidence upon which our message rests as convincing as in the case of Jesus’ own message? Witness the mighty, world-embracing sweep of our missionary work. Here our faith rests as we face a gainsaying world. Let us be optimistic and have faith in God and in his message. The glorious issue is the coming of Christ. The finishing of the work is the one condition of this happy consummation, and the receiving of the Holy Spirit is the one only means to this end. All heaven is set to accomplish God’s purpose in the earth in cooperation with his believing people. GCB May 16, 1913, page 16.20