The Educational Messenger
September 4, 1908
Words of Exhortation and Warning
This message has been given me for our teachers gathered in institutes, and for the young men and women who shall assemble at our colleges and training schools: EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 1
You need to understand the significance of the teachings of the apostle Peter, as recorded in the first chapter of his first epistle: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Christ: grace unto you, and peace be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 2
“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom, having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 3
Why should we not study this chapter frequently? Here are presented to us through the inspiration of the Spirit of God, most precious promises, the foundation for large expectations, if we will act upon the instruction given. EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 4
If we would escape from the sickly experience we now have we must begin in earnest to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. There are many who give no decided evidence that they are true to their baptismal vows. Their zeal is chilled by formality, worldly ambition, pride, and love of self. Occasionally their feelings are stirred, but they do not fall on the Rock Christ Jesus. They do not come to God with hearts that are broken in repentance and confession. Those who experience the work of true conversion in their hearts, will reveal the fruits of the Spirit in their lives. O that those who have so little spiritual life would realize that eternal life can be granted only to those who become partakers of the divine nature, and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 5
The Lord foresaw the unbelief that would prevail in our world at the present time, and through His servants He sent messages of comfort and assurance that would confirm the faith of His children who should live in the end of time. EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 6
When the disciple John was banished from those he loved in the faith to the lonely isle of Patmos, the Lord met with His faithful witness, and there revealed to him the future of His church as he had not revealed it through any other. We read the opening words of that wonderful book: “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show His servant things which must shortly come to pass, and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John, who bare record of the Word of God, and of the Testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.” EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 7
There are weighty reasons why we should study the revelation that God gave to John. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things that are written therein; for the time is at hand.” With such testimony as this, and seeing as we do the fulfillment of this prophecy, we are without excuse if we remain in ignorance of those things which must “shortly come to pass.” EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 8
A solemn responsibility rests upon those who know the truth, that their works shall correspond with their faith, and that their characters shall be refined and sanctified, and they be prepared for the work that must rapidly be done in these closing days of the message. The words should come to us now with impelling earnestness, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” There are many among us who are deficient in spirituality, and who, unless they are converted, will certainly be lost. EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 9
A Message to Parents
Let our ministers and teachers bear this message to parents: We need religion in the home. Fathers and mothers, are you satisfied with the advancement you are making in the divine life? Do you testify in words and acts that you have experienced the new birth? Do you earnestly ask yourselves the question, “Can I in my present condition be called an overcomer?” Begin, O, begin now, to make a change. Throw off the lethargy that is upon you. EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 10
Pride and weakness of faith are depriving many of the rich blessings of God. There are many who unless they humble their hearts before the Lord, and arouse to their solemn responsibilities, will be surprised and disappointed when the cry is heard, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh! They have the theory of the truth, but they have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. Our faith at this time must not stop with belief in the theory of the third angel's message. We must have the oil of the grace of Christ that will feed the lamp and cause the light of life to shine forth, showing the way to those who are in darkness. EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 11
Missionary Activity
Urge every Seventh-day Adventist family to awaken, and to become the Lord's missionaries. Consider the books that the Lord has placed in your possession for the relief of our schools and sanitariums. Many opportunities have been given you to show that you appreciated the truths revealed in these books. If these precious volumes are appreciated as they should be, self-denying efforts will be made to bring them to the notice of the people. Let brethren and sisters encourage one another to become acquainted with their neighbors. Tell them the story of the gift of these books for the support of our institutions, and tell them of your own interest in seeking to place them in the hands of acquaintances and friends. Tell the story to the wealthy. Men, women and children can engage in this work. We have yet to learn of persons who after reading the book have expressed unfavorable opinions regarding it. EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 12
Golden opportunities for missionary labor are offered to those who will take hold of this work, and rich blessings will come to the people who purchase the books and study their teachings. EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 13
The sale of the book Ministry of Healing will bring in means for the help of our health institutions, and for the aid of those sick ones who could not, unaided, get the benefits of our sanitarium treatments. Now let those of our people who wish to help our schools and sanitariums, unite in the work of circulating these books as far and as fast as possible. As the Lord's missionaries, we may take a special interest in this work, and help to get the precious light before the people. EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 14
Those who engage in this line of work should first give themselves unreservedly to God. They should place themselves where they can learn of Christ, and follow His example. Angels are commissioned to go forth with those who take up this work in true humility. EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 15
Our educational institutions can do much toward meeting the demand for trained workers for the mission fields. Wise plans should be laid to strengthen the work done in our training-centers. Study should be given to the best methods for fitting consecrated young men and young women to bear responsibility, and to win souls for Christ. They should be taught how to meet the people, and how to present the third angel's message in an attractive manner. And in the management of financial matters, they should be taught lessons that will help them when they are sent to isolated fields where they must suffer many privations and practise the strictest economy. EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 16
The Lord has instituted a plan whereby many of the students in our schools can learn practical lessons needful for success in after life. He has given us the privilege of handling precious books that have been dedicated for the advancement of our educational and sanitarium work. In the very handling of these books, the youth will meet with many experiences that will teach them how to cope with problems in the regions beyond. During their school life, as they handle these books, many will learn how to approach people courteously, and how to exercise tact in conversing with them on different points of truth. And as they meet with a degree of success financially some will learn lessons of thrift and economy which will be of great advantage to them when they are sent out as missionaries. EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 17
The students who take up the work of selling Christ's Object Lessons and Ministry of Healing will need to study the book they expect to sell. As they familiarize their minds with the subject-matter of the book in hand, and endeavor to practise its teachings, they will develop in knowledge and spiritual power. The messages in these books are the light that God has revealed to me to give to the world. The teachers in our schools should encourage the students to make a careful study of every chapter. They should teach these truths to their students, and seek to inspire the youth with a love for the precious thoughts the Lord has entrusted to us to communicate to the world. EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 18
Thus the preparation for handling these books, and the daily experiences gained while bringing them to the attention of the people, will prove an invaluable schooling to those who take part in this line of effort. Under the blessing of God, the youth will obtain a fitting for service in the Lord's vineyard. EducationalMessenger September 4, 1908, par. 19
(To be Concluded.)