Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Adaptability Essential To Successful Ministry: An Editorial
Adaptability Essential To Successful Ministry: An Editorial
11
N the days before us our institutions shall we be able to preserve our simplicity and
will become the special objects of keep an unobscured vision of the true purpose
Satan's attack. If he can weaken of our training schools and the character they
their influence, if he can divert them should maintain. It is not by might nor by
from their high and holy purpose, power, it is not by great men nor human wis-
he will have made a master stroke dom, that God's work will be accomplished.
against the work of God. Definite It will be by the power of His Holy Spirit.
warnings have come to us from the messenger "Ye see your calling, brethren, how that not
of the Lord through the years against this many wise men after the flesh, not many
great danger. mighty, not many noble, are called: but God
Long years ago there was brought into being hath chosen the foolish things of the world to
an educational institution for the primary pur- confound the wise; and God hath chosen the
pose of educating young men and women as weak things of the world to confound the
heralds of the cross, as the messengers of God things which are mighty; and base things of
to carry to the world the truth for this day the world, and things which are despised, bath
God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to
and generation. Other schools throughout the bring to naught things that are: that no flesh
world have been established, and I am indeed should glory in His presence." 1 Cor. 1:26-29.
thankful for the work they have accomplished. "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man
From their doors have gone out a great army glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty
of youth trained for high and holy service. man glory in his might, let not the rich man
The majority of the leaders in this movement glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth,
today have received their training in some of glory in this, that he understandeth and know-
these schools. eth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise
loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness,
It has been Satan's studied effort to divert
in the earth: for in these things I delight,
our schools as well as our other institutions saith the Lord." Jer. 9:23, 24.
from the grand objective of their existence, to
bring into our educational institutions worldly We are told, "As the time comes" for God's
policies, and to lead them to take on the mold message "to be given with greatest power, the
and the character of worldly education. This Lord will work through humble instruments,
danger is accentuated today as never before. leading the minds of those who consecrate
The educational standards of the world around themselves to His service. The laborers will
us have advanced. It has seemed necessary be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit
that we should advance the standards of our than by the training of literary institutions.
schools. It has been deemed advisable to se- Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to
cure accreditment for our colleges and acade- go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words
mies, in order that they shall not be hampered which God gives them."—"The Great Contro-
by legal restrictions. The responsible leader- versy," p. 606.
ship of the church assembled in General Con- I do not decry the value of literary training.
ference council recommended this. I believe that, just as far as consistent, every
This plan was a wide departure from the young man and young woman in the church
plans of the past. There are thousands of should obtain a college education. Heaven
sincere believers, true and loyal to the prin- places no premium upon ignorance. All things
ciples of Christian education, who regard this being equal, God can use in His service more
change with grave concern. I hope it may effectively an educated man than one who is
prove an efficient expedient, even as it appears untrained. But we must bear this in mind,
to be a necessary one; but it is also a danger- that the primary requisites for service are
ous expedient. It has proved a costly one to consecration to God and the divine unction of
many of the colleges of other denominations. His Holy Spirit.
We must assiduously guard our own schools, I have great faith in our teachers. I believe
that the experiment may not prove thus costly in their consecration. Through the years they
to us. Only as we remember the source of our have proved true and loyal to the principles of
wisdom and power can this be done. Only as this message. These men and women of their
we recognize that we must look to the God of own initiative are not seeking for this ad-
Israel, and not to the god of Ekron, for help, vanced work in the university. They are sub-
Page 4 The MINISTRY November
jecting themselves to this danger for the good truth is being intrusted to their hands. I ap-
of our schools. They need our prayers that peal to our, younger workers, representing in
God will safeguard them from every evil in- a unique sense the great body of our youth
fluence, that their spiritual vision shall not throughout the world, to be true to the holy
become clouded, that they may be able to dis- trust committed to them. I believe that our
cern between the subtle philosophies of error youth will prove true to this sacred call and
and the truths of the gospel, and that they will responsibility.
bring back to our own schools an unchanged Washington, D. C.
emphasis of teaching as to the verities of God's
word and His message for this time.
We are seeking accreditment for our schools Our Statistical Picture
for the primary purpose of giving to our col-
leges and academies recognized legal standing. BY H. E. ROGERS
This will enable our youth to complete their HE membership of the 7,640 churches of the
education in our own schools, and yet qualify
them to meet State requirements as teachers,
T denomination throughout the world, Decem-
ber 31, 1933, was 384,151. This is a gain of
nurses, and physicians. And this, I believe, 269,594 during the last twenty years, or 162,277
they should plan to do. I feel that it is a great during the last ten years, or 98,858 during the
mistake for any of our young men and women last five years. This makes a net gain during
to go to the university immediately upon com- the last five years of 19,771 annually. The net
pletion of their work in our own colleges. If gain during the last year was 22,050.
it is thought best for them to go ultimately, The number added during 1933 by baptism
then by all means they should first obtain an was 37,824, and on profession of faith, 3,128,
experience in wrestling with life's practical a total of new members received during the
problems. This will help them in determining year of 40,952.
true values, settle their convictions, and give This work is now conducted in 295 countries
definite mold and character to their aims and and islands, by 22,254 evangelistic and insti-
purposes. And before deciding to take uni- tutional laborers (an increase of 1,539 during
versity work, they should counsel with expe- 1933), who are using in their work 503 lan-
rienced church leaders. This iS in harmony guages and dialects. The increase in languages
with the instruction that has come to us from during the last seven years is 247, or one new
the Messenger of the Lord. language added on an average of every ten
The Waldenses of old sent some of their days. This is an increase of 20 countries and
youth to higher institutions of learning. Their islands in which we began work during 1933,
primary purpose in this was not to secure edu- and of 18 new languages in which laborers are
cational standing, although this may have come conducting work.
as a natural consequence, but they entered Denominational literature is now produced
these schools as missionaries, in order to give in 160 languages, in the form of 6,902 books,
to others the blessed gospel of light and liberty periodicals, pamphlets, and tracts, containing
which they had found so precious in their own 510,952 pages, one copy of each costing $2,004.87.
lives. May God grant that this shall be the The number of persons employed by the 69
chief objective which shall possess our youth publishing houses producing this literature is
who may seek qualification in the schools of
1,060; and the number of persons employed
the world. It is only as they keep this objec-
in its circulation is 3,107. The value of
tive before them that they will be able to pre- A
denominational literature sold in 1933 was
serve unsullied the faith of their fathers. This $3,387,682.66; since 1863, $99,362,717.42.
is possible, I believe, through God's grace.
The number of primary schools is now 2,064,
Our youth today may be as was Daniel at with 2,807 teachers and an enrollment of 71,579.
the_ court. of—Babylon,-as-Joseph at the- court of There are 297 advanced schools, -employing
Pharaoh. These young men were surrounded 2,325 teachers, with an enrollment of 23,481;
with the luxuries and vices associated with or a total of 2,271 schools, with 5,132 teachers,
their royal environment, but they preserved having an enrollment in all the schools con-
their characters free and untarnished from sin. ducted by the denomination throughout the
I have great confidence in the youth of this world of 95,060. In other words, the total en-
denomination. I have no sympathy with any rollment is equivalent to one fourth of the
spirit which would decry their sincerity and total church membership. The value of build-
earnestness. Their consecration and the mo- ings and equipment thus used is $10,380,323.60.
tives which move them to action are as true There are 66 sanitariums and 57 treatment
and genuine as I have ever observed in the rooms and dispensaries,—a total of 123 insti-
youth through the years. tutions where the sick are cared for, employing
To the young men and women of this church a total of 4,466 physicians and nurses, treating
today there is falling in large measure the during the year 423,576 persons, and giving aid
blessed privilege, as well as the solemn duty, to charity cases to the extent of $440,967.10.
of bringing this work, under God, to a success- The value of the institutions thus engaged is
ful conclusion. More and more the banner of in excess of $1..0,000,000.
1934 The MINISTRY Page 5
more I ponder the subject assigned me, her; and, somehow, the expressions of her love
T HE
the more fully am I convinced that the and sympathy were sweet morsels to their
minister's wife holds a very important position hungry hearts.
in the church; and so it is with much reluc- The young people turned to her for special
tance that I pick up my pen to fulfill my help. At times she conducted home nursing
promise to write something about the "silent classes for them between evangelistic efforts;
partner." I am permitting myself to believe but even then she always seemed to have time
that I will be pardoned for not even trying to to make a missionary call.
make this a formal article, but just a quiet "She must have neglected her home," did I
little talk about some of the burdens of my hear you say? Well, my observations made no
own heart. such discovery. It was always neat and clean;
There flashes into my mind a beautiful pic- and so were the children—all of them. And
ture of one of these missionaries. She is the although she did her own work, she always saw
wife of an evangelist. Once they held an effort to it that her family had good nourishing food
where it was possible for me to attend occa- to eat, good clothes to wear, and she joined her
sionally. Lest some one should object to my husband in bringing up the children in the way
saying "they held an effort," let me hasten to that they should go. Often we said and heard
explain that the pronoun used must include others say, "Those children certainly are
both the evangelist and his wife; for, although well-trained and mind perfectly."
she was not a paid worker, she threw herself You don't see how she did it? Neither do I;
whole-heartedly into the soul-winning work. and still in a way I do comprehend. I am per-
Could you have pressed through the wide suaded that her success lay chiefly in her sur-
fringe of humanity that hung around the edge render to God, her full and complete consecra-
of the large pavilion each evening,—when the tion to His work. God can do wonderful things
rain did not drive that part of the audience for us in the home and out of it, if we only let
away,—you would have known in part why I Him have His way with us.
say "they." There she was. She directed the Somewhat similar experiences of others rush
choir; she gave the stirring ten-minute health into my mind. God has granted me the privi-
talk, and then, usually before her husband arose lege of knowing many women who have been
to speak, her solo would quietly turn the minds a mighty power in the lives of their husbandS.
of the audience to the theme for the evening To me they seem marvelous demonstrations of
discourse. how wonderfully God can fulfill His promises
"But," says a minister's wife, "I am not a of help to those who seek first the kingdom of
nurse; I do not play, nor yet do I sing." And heaven.
I know what that means. My own heart has As I sit here meditating upon the subject,.
felt enough hunger for ability along those lines I review many of their fine characteristics:
to sympathize. Yes, we long for these and Such good friendly neighbors, but neighbors
other accomplishments that mean so much without time for those visits that often seem
toward the success of the work. so urgent when there is a bit of gossip to pass
However, although the sister referred to along the line. However, I think perhaps the
above had all these very desirable accomplish- characteristic in these noble women that has
ments, let me whisper something in your ear: helped and does help me most is that of non-
From my observations I felt assured that these sensitiveness. It would seem that Satan has.
alone would never have made her the tower of not been permitted to inject into their hearts
strength she was to her husband in his work. the deadly germ of sensitiveness, which keeps
Some other things weighed more in the scale many from being the blessing they might be.
of success. Take Sister , for instance. She never
"Then what was the secret of her success?" seemed to allow her feelings to be hurt, nor
One thing was her sympathetic interest in the to notice slights. If things did not seem just
people. She mingled with them; she shared right, she just thought that probably it was all
their joys and sorrows; she visited in their because of her own misunderstanding; or if not
homes, and she found time to pray with them —well, it didn't matter, anyway. On one occa-
as well as for them. They soon learned that sion that characteristic stood out in marked
she was their friend, that they could confide in contrast. The wife of another minister had
Page 6 The MINISTRY November
been asked to do something; but no, absolutely confined to their homes, but who kept in close,
no. She had been slighted. There was no mis- sympathetic touch with their husbands' prob-
take about it, so far as she was concerned; and, lems, and took time every day to talk with God
since she was not appreciated, she chose to let about them.
others struggle with the task. So she nursed Nothing need hinder the minister's wife from
her wounded feelings, made herself and her being true to her high calling. God will give
home unhappy, and robbed others of the serv- her success. By virtue of her position she is a
ice she could have rendered so efficiently. worker in the cause whether or not her name
Turn where you will, there is no phase of life appears on the pay roll. With her husband she
in which the minister's wife does not either must practice the truths he preaches, no matter
help or hinder. Of course, her mission begins how sorely she may be tempted to swerve to
in the home and with the children whom God this or that side—just once in a while.
may send to bless it; and there is no higher Just a side light or two: "That dress would
mission than hers in that capacity. We are be much prettier if you'd only make it a little
told: lower in the neck and omit the sleeves." This
"The husband, in the open missionary field, from a friend. "But," replied the minister's
may receive the honor of men, while the home wife, "then it would not be in harmony with
toiler may receive no earthly credit for her our denominational standards, such as are
labor; but if she works for the best interests taught in our schools and such as are outlined
of her family, seeking to fashion their charac- in the Bible and the Spirit of prophecy. You
ters after the divine Model, the recording angel know my business is to be God's bulletin
-writes her name as one of the greatest mission-
board."
aries in the world."—"Gospel Workers," p. 203.
One evening God gave one of his faithful
Yes, the home is her first mission. But aside witnesses special encouragement: The evening
from keeping it neat and clean, providing food service was over. "Oh, I have been helped so
that is both wholesome and palatable, and see- much this evening," said a young woman to
ing that her husband's clothes are always ready the wife of the minister who had spoken.
for service, her life largely determines the at-
mosphere of the home. And the atmosphere "I am so glad you enjoyed the sermon,"
quietly replied the minister's wife.
that her husband must breathe in the home, as
well as the food he eats there, influences his "I—I did enjoy the sermon; but that was not
work in the pulpit and everywhere. what helped me most," continued the young
Home atmosphere—how much it means! It girl apologetically. "It was you. When I
should be kept pure, sweet, and clean, untainted looked down from the choir and saw how sim-
by the germs of criticism, jealousy, gossip, and ply and tastefully you were dressed, I said to
prejudice. Let it be purified by the Holy Spirit, myself, 'Really Christian simplicity is the most
invigorated by the breath of heaven, and made elegant style after all.' "
fragrant with the-very essence of prayer. The Another side light: The minister and his
wrong word or the wrong attitude may be a wife were having one of their good heart-to-
bit of steel in the compass that will cause ship- heart talks. "It is wrong, my dear," said the
wreck on the rocks of wrong decision. minister kindly, "for you to serve refreshments
With due emphasis on the home, we must out of season. You tempt people to eat when
remember that neither the home nor the chil- they should not, and you know that the 'Testi-
dren—neither of which must be neglected— monies' are very clear on not eating between
should be made an excuse for not participating meals." Yes, she knew. She had only meant
in some active missionary work outside the to be hospitable; but, of course, true hospital-
home. The Master's business should be first, ity does not violate the principles of healthful
and it demands haste. Soul-winning work in living. So they decided that henceforth their
the neighborhood is a double blessing, and will home should help, not hinder, those who chose
help greatly to sustain and strengthen the sym- to do all things to the glory of God.
pathetic contact that the minister's wife should Sometimes the very thought of the responsi-
have with her h6band's work. I fancy I see bilities of the minister's wife makes me trem-
the longing look in the eye of a dear sister who ble. In the home and out of it, in church and
yearns to be of more help to her husband in elsewhere, yes, at every point of contact, lies
his soul-winning work, but whose failing health her opportunity of preaching the gospel. Happy
or nontransferable home duties make it im- is that wife who somehow organizes her pro-
possible for her to go forth to study God's Book gram in such a way that she has unhurried
with her neighbors. Such, however, must not visits every day with the Master and His Book.
despair. God understands. While the responsi- Without these visits she cannot succeed. With
bilities of the minister's wife are many and them she cannot fail. Our loving Master knows
varied, when God permits some doors to be how hard we try, and yet how often we seem to
closed, He opens others wide for effectual serv- fail. But into the ears of her who is deter-
ice. Doubtless the heavenly records will reveal mined, with His help, to fulfill her mission, He
that some of the great things accomplished are whispers, "My grace is sufficient for thee."
accredited to the wives of ministers who were Balboa, Canal Zone.
1934 The MINISTRY Page 7
"I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to Four Phases in Papal Recovery
death ; and his deadly wound was healed : and all
the world wondered after the beast." Rev. 13 :3. I. 1798-1870. CONDITION &mous. During this
period the Papacy suffered continual buffetings.
A SSUMING that the "wounded" head refers
to the Papacy, let us consider the method Pius VII, for instance, was taken prisoner by a
French general in 1809—and did not see Rome
of its wounding.
The "wound" could not have been inflicted again until 1814. Moreover, there was the
alone by the capture and deposition of Pope gradual loss of the Papal States, and finally of
Pius VI by General Berthier in 1798, otherwise all temporal power. Nevertheless from time to
the election of Pius VII in 1799 would have time it revealed definite signs of renewed life.
constituted its healing. Referring to 1798, Hayward's "History of the
Rather, the Papacy was wounded by a series Popes" says: "From this time onward the his-
of stabbings over a period of 300 years, begin- tory of the popes enters upon a new phase,
ning with the Reformation and culminating which by a logical sequence of events has
with the imprisonment of the pope in 1798. brought the Papacy to the position it holds
today."—Page 334.
What Wounded the Papacy? Among the signs of life during this period
There were five significant developments in might be mentioned the reestablishment of the
the process: order of Jesuits in 1814 by Pius VII, the Cath-
1. The discovery in the Bible of the true way olic Emancipation Act in England in 1829,
of salvation--justification by faith—and the followed by the Oxford Movement, and the
growth among the common people of implicit revival of the Roman Catholic hierarchy.
confidence in the Bible as the word of God. Then in 1870 came the Vatican Council, the
2. The gradual alienation of its one-time po- Decree of Infallibility, and the dawn of the
litical friends—such as, Austria, the German next phase.
States, France, and England—through both po- II. 1871-1917. SLow CONVALESCENCE. During
litical and religious causes. this period the Papacy was quietly regaining
3. The passing of penal laws against its fol- influence, encouraged by the increasing de-
lowers and the proscription of its secret so- terioration of Protestantism, but its progress
cieties. was retarded by the World War, when tens
4. The growth of democracy. of thousands of Catholics were slain in all
5. The final violent overthrow by the armies armies.
of France. III. 1918-1928. RAPID RECUPERATION. The
How Will the Wound Be Healed? Papacy now seized the opportunity created by
Obviously by the reversal of the conditions the spiritual confusion caused by the Great
that brought about its wounding: War, and posing as the one true church,
1. By loss of faith in the Bible as God's word marched on to many victories, pressing its
through the rise of evolution, materialism, and claims with its old-time audacity. To this end
the new paganism, and thus the passing of the it inaugurated Eucharistic congresses in sev-
"protest" from Protestantism. eral strategic centers.
IV. 1929-1934. VIGOROUS HEALTH AND POWER.
2. By the renewal of its political friendships.
3. By the repeal of the penal laws against its This has been evidenced by a series of extraor-
members and secret agents. dinarily important events:
1. The settling of the Roman question, lead-
4. By the passing of democracy.
ing to-
5. By the restoration of the kingship of the 2. Proclamation of the Pope as king;
pope. 3. Recovery of temporal power in the crea-
It is scarcely necessary to demonstrate that tion of the Vatican State; and,
these five happenings rank among the supreme 4. Receipt from Italian government of mil-
events of the last 130 years. But how have lions in cash.
they occurred? Suddenly or gradually? A 5. Inauguration of intense propaganda in
study of the history of this period reveals— Protestant countries, and in all mission fields.
6. Exchange of diplomatic representatives
* This summarization will be followed later by ex- with almost all civilized countries.
pansion of the various points tabulated, with side 7. Signing of concordats with many nations.
lights and factual evidence that will be of great value
to all workers.—EDITORS. (Continued on. page 22)
Page' 8 The MINISTRY November
WRevelation
E very properly interpret the "woman" of
12 to be the true church which
church at the time of the birth of John the
Baptist and of Christ, but we find a few names
dwelt in the "wilderness" from 538 to 1798 A. D., are given,—Simeon, Hannah, and Joseph. Both
a period of 1260 years. Now the question arises, John and Jesus were born of true followers of
Where was she during the years from Pente- God. These were of the church which gave
cost to 538 A. D., a period covering half a mil- birth to the "man child" who was to share the
lennium? Was she a separate church under throne of the universe with God.
her own government during these five hundred The Pharisees and Sadducees, and others who
years? Was she to be found among the three knew not God, although nominal members of
hundred different sects which sprang out of the large state church, could never have been
the original organization? Or did God recog- chosen as parents of , John and Christ, for they
nize the Ancient, or Post-Apostolic, Catholic had no spiritual connection with God. This
Church as the true one from the time of the Jewish spiritual church became the nucleus of
apostles to 538 A. D., notwithstanding the fact the Apostolic Church on the day of Pentecost,
that the church had drifted from the original laying the foundation for an organized church,
faith once delivered to the saints? with rules and regulations which were to gov-
To answer the question we must define what ern them in the struggle against paganism.
the church is. First, The Saviour thus answers How shall we trace this church through the
the question as relates to the individual mem- ages? In answering that question, we would
ber: "Whosoever shall do the will of My Father call attention to the inspired prophetic chart
which is in heaven, the same is My brother, of God as found in chapters 2, 3, and 6 of
and sister, and mother." Matt. 12:50. Again, the book of Revelation. The "seven churches"
"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man give the internal history of the church, and the
love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father "seven seals" the external history.
will love him, and we will come unto him, and The church of Ephesus describes the condi-
make our abode with him." John 14:23. Con- tion of the Apostolic Church during the first
cerning the mode of that coming, we read: century of the Christian era. The white horse
"Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world and its rider are also symbolic of this period of
cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, real missionary work. However, the admoni-
neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for tion is given to the whole church to repent, for
He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." they had lost their first love. The mystery of
John 14:17. Comment is unnecessary on these iniquity was already working in 'the church to
defining words, as to who is a member of the pervert true doctrine and lead people astray.
invisible church of Christ. The evidence is While the church was persecuted it was kept
clear that every person truly converted and pure; but when persecution ceased, the people
born again receives the Holy Spirit and is a became indifferent, careless, and world-loving,
member of the- true church of God. thus loging sight of God.'In the latter part of
Secondly, God organized the Jewish church this century heresies sprang up in the church,
in the wilderness, and it was His own acknowl- and a number of converts were drawn away
edged, or official, church all through the cen- from the truth, leaving the church. (See
turies down to the time of Christ, irrespective 2 Tim. 4:10; 1:15.)
of its backsliding. Not all, of course, on the Church of Smyrna (100-325 A. D.)
roll of Israel were members of the true church
of God, for only those who have spiritual com- This church received as a whole a commenda-
tion for their works and tribulation; and they
munion with God constitute His true church.
were told that persecution, prison, and tribula-
John the Baptist was born of parents who
tion were awaiting them, but if faithful they
lived a blameless life. (See Luke 1:5, 6.)
Mary, the mother of Jesus, had found favor would receive a crown of life. Before going
further into the history of this church it will
with God. (See verses 28, 30.) We do not
know the exact number of the true spiritual be well to mention the attitude of the Roman
government toward strange and foreign reli-
Erratum : In Article IV, the date for the Robber gions. We quote from the church historian:
Synod of Ephesus should have read 449 instead of
438.--s. a. W. "The Roman jurist, Julius Paulus, cites the
1934 The MIN ISTRY Page 9
following as one of the ruling principles of civil chaff from the wheat, for during the days of
law in the Roman state: 'Whoever introduces tribulation a large number of nominal members•
new religions, whose tendency and character of the church apostatized, and were called lapsi.
are unknown, whereby the minds of men might These, when the persecution was over, wanted
be disturbed, were, if belonging to the higher to rejoin the church. Some of the ante-Nicene
ranks, to be banished; if to the lower, punished Fathers died as martyrs. For instance, Igna-
with death.' " tius, bishop of Antioch, was thrown to the
The Romans exercised a certain amount of beasts in the Roman Amphitheater; Justin
religious toleration toward those who would Martyr died a martyr, and there is strong
accept the gods of Rome into their worship. evidence that Irenus, bishop of Lyons, died
In the Roman Pantheon were placed the gods in the massacre instituted by the emperor
of all the strangers who visited Rome. Many Severus. Persecution followed persecution in
of these gods had been accepted by the Romans different parts of the empire. Christians fled
under different names. One thing was required from one part of the realm to the other, seek-
of all Roman citizens in all provinces under ing a haven of rest. They were hunted like
Roman sway, and that was to offer incense to beasts in the fields. The Decian persecution,
"Lord Caesar." Since the days of Augustus in the middle of the third century, lasting for
Csar, 29 D. c., the emperors of Rome had been nearly ten years, was one of the most severe in
worshiped as heathen gods. In all prominent the empire. About fifty years after that, the
cities and places altars were placed upon which last and the most terrible persecution broke out
incense was thrown by the devotee in honor of under Diocletian, lasting ten years, or from
the "Divine Caesar." The Christians could not 303-313, in fulfillment of Revelation 2:10.
take part in this practice of idolatry, and there- About two hundred fifty heretical sects broke
fore refused so to honor Csar. out from the Apostolic Church between 34 and
The Christians preached the spiritual king- 314 A. D. Some of these sects, such as the
dom of Christ, which could in no way be modi- Montanists, had many martyrs for the cause of
fied or altered to suit the Roman religion. The God and shared in the persecutions of the Apos-
Romans argued that the Christians could wor- tolic Church. There is no denying the fact that
ship Christ just as much as they wished to, there was a gradual apostasy of the dominant
but they must also offer incense to Csar and church, yet the historian has this to say con-
say, "I swear by the genius of Cnsar." One cerning the godly people in the church:
illustration will suffice: When the old bishop "Some, indeed, most certainly and truly cast
of Smyrna, Polycarp, was asked to swear by out demons, so that frequently those persons
the genius of Caesar, and revile Christ, he an- themselves that were cleansed from wicked
swered, "Eighty and six years have I served spirits, believed and were received into the
Him, and He never did me wrong; and how church. Others have the knowledge of things
can I now blaspheme my King that has saved to come, as also visions and prophetic commu-
me?" 2 Being resolute in his opposition to the nications; others heal the sick by the imposi-
tion of hands, and restore them to health. And,
emperor, he was burned at the stake about moreover, as we said above, even the dead have
180 A. D. been raised and continued with us many
Here was the real cause for the struggle be- years."'
tween Christianity and Roman imperialism.
The historian quotes from Irennus, who lived
Two kings were at war to the bitter end,—
in the beginning of the third century as bishop,
King Jesus, with His spiritual kingdom made
of Lyons.
up of the newborn from all nations, and the
Roman emperor, with his state united to the Even as late as the Council of Nice, 325 A. D.,
a number of bishops were godly men who had'
pagan religion. This latter was an invention
suffered under the Diocletian persecution. Let
of Satan, as we shall presently see. Whosoever
us quote from another historian:
compromised and lowered the standard of faith
would in the end be conquered. The early "Then came the two bishops of the same
Christians refused to serve in the Roman army name, Eusebius of Nicomedia and of Cmsarea;
and engage in Roman politics. Celsus, the Potammon of Heraclea in Egypt, who had lost
Roman jurist, upbraided the Christians for not one eye in the last persecution; Paphnutius
serving in the Roman armies in the defense of of the higher Thebais, and Spiridion of Cyprus,
both celebrated for their miracles. Paphnutius,
the emperor. This was about 177 A. D. (See had one eye bored out and his legs cut off dur-
Neander, "Church History," Vol. I, p. 377.) ing Maximin's persecution. Another bishop,
The early Christians abstained from the the- Paul of Neocsarea, had had his hands burnt
aters and pagan feasts. These were so inti- by the red-hot irons that Licinius had com-
mately associated with heathen worship that manded to be applied to them. James of Nisi-
Christians could not indulge and remain pure.* bis was honored as a worker of miracles: it
The fires of persecution served to winnow the was said that he had raised the dead. There
was also seen among the foremost, Leontius of
* For further reading on the life and manners of
Caesarea, a man endowed with the gift, of proph
the early Christians see Coleman's "Christian Antiq- ecy, who during the journey to Nice had bap-
uities ;" Guericke's "Christian Antiquities;" Bing- tized the father of S. Gregory of Nazianzus.
ham's "Christian Antiquities ;" and "The Ante-Nicene
Fathers." (Continued on page 21)
Page 10 The MINISTRY November
xx an we XX
vx 4g.
si
had one. "It is time now for us to perfect and
regularize the position of the spiritual leader of our faithful till death.
church," says Dr. Fleming.—Christian Century, Aug. 0
8, 1934. "Be thou faithful unto death, and I wi
00
PROTESTANTISM'S STATUS.—Either the term
00
00 Wahroonga, N. S. W.
Protestantism is a misnomer, or else the religious
bodies so designated have long been without a mission.
Nor can their mission be as negative as the term
1934 The MINISTRY Page 13
have been stripped all the barriers protecting the In the ten years, 1919 to 1929, the industrial out-
youth and homes of the nation from the vicious put of the United States increased 48 per cent, and
campaign of the liquor and gambling interests, which the number of industrial workers decreased 6 per cent.
now seek a free hand in this nation. In 1929, the peak year of our prosperity, 2,000,000
The efforts to save the homes of America from the workers were displaced by machines.—Christian Ad-
destructive effects of the gambling evil have formed vocate, Aug. 30, 1934.
a notable part of an advancing American standard of
life. Now these antigambling laws in a number of JEWISH POPULATION—When Titus destroyed
States, including New York, have been destroyed in the temple there were some four million Jews in the
the great repeal drive being conducted by the liquor worm. Long periods of persecution followed, and
and gambling profiteers who urge it on the basis of by the year 1200 A. D. they were reduced to a million
public revenues.—Harry Earl Woolever, Editor, Na- and a half. At the present hour the world has some
tional Methodist Press, in, Christian Advocate, Sept. fifteen to sixteen million Jews, of whom four and a
0. 1934. half million live in the United States and about
two million of that number in New York.—Sunday
TITHING NEEDED.—All over the globe economists School Times, Aug. 25, 1934.
and statisticians are knitting their brows over the so-
called "paradox of plenty." They wonder : Why DECENCY'S LEGION.—The Legion of Decency has
should the world have been plunged into the worst had an amazing growth. Today, it has probably three
depression in history at the very time when material times the membership of the American Federation
goods were swollen to the greatest abundance on of Labor. It has increased more rapidly than any
record*? Whatever explanation the theorists may political party. It undertook an apparently impos-
finally evolve, one underlying fact has already sible task. It set itself to reform a powerful industry
emerged : No real and permanent wealth—even in which had run amuck among the ten commandments,
a material sense—can be created and maintained and which thought itself so strongly intrenched that
amid poverty of character. it could afford to laugh at censorship.
Our recent troubles should not be described as the In six months, with the Legion increasing to some
paradox of plenty, but the parable of plenty—a dem- fifteen millions, with most of the churches of the
onstration that progress is possible only when laid country behind the movement, with women's clubs
upon spiritual foundations. Hence arises the funda- and youth organizations adopting resolutions of boy-
mental difference between taxing and tithing. Tax- cott, with the press praising and giving publicity to
ing may dissipate one's income in expenditures that the campaign, with leaders of national prominence
are wasteful, iniquitous, and in the end ruinous. lending it approval, and with the Federal Government
Tithing directs one's income into enduring invest- threatening censorship, Hollywood began to doubt its
ments of the utmost value both material and spiritual. own indefectibility.—Our Sunday Visitor (R. C.),
Taxes can eventually sink a nation ; tithes can save Sept. 9, 1934.
it !—Roger W. Babson, in Advance, Aug. 30, 1934.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.—The parish school, placing
DISPLACING MEN.—In 1922 one of the large additional burdens on the deflated family income,
factories of Detroit, employing 6,500 workers, estab- must compete with the "free" public school for the
lished a record output of 10,000 automobile tires in opportunity to teach Mary and Johnny. Evidently
a single working day. Ten years later, in 1932, the the parish school is at a disadvantage where financial
same factory, employing 3,500 workers, reached a considerations weigh heavily with parents. The path
daily output of 30,000 tires. With 3,000 fewer of least resistance in this case looks easy and broad.
laborers the factory output was multiplied three Unhappily, many parents succumb. The "depression"
times. In reality, 3,500 workers in 1932 produced has become a handy excuse for many who had no
what would have required 19,500 workers in 1922. intention of making the sacrifice which a Catholic
Sixteen thousand men were displaced by machines education for their children demands.—Our Sunday
in the output of one factory in a single decade. Visitor (R. C.), Sept. 2, 1934.
"To make natural law plain, and to urge 7. Substitution, and not merely subtraction,
obedience to it, is a work [of health reform] should be the essence of all health teaching.
that accompanies the third angel's message." ("Ministry of Healing," pp. 316, 317.)
—"Counsels on Health," p. 21. 8. Novices should not be allowed to give the
1. Correlate health work with every activity health message in the field. ("Testimonies,"
of the church. Vol. II, pp. 386, 387.)
A personal matter. ("Testimonies," Vol. 9. Technical knowledge of disease and its
VI, p. 369.) causes, necessary for teachers of health princi-
A family matter. (Id., p. 370.) ples. ("Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods,"
A church matter. (Id., p. 289.) p. 105, par. 8.)
A school matter. (Id., p. 370.) 10. Health work not to take the place of the
2. Link spiritual truth with the work of third angel's message, and yet not to be given
making "natural law plain." (Id., p. 290.) independently of the message. (Id., p. 88,
3. Health educators to avoid faddism and par. 3.)
narrow views. ("Testimony Studies on Diet 11. The proper place for the subject of health
and Foods," * p. 103, par. 9.) reform in the evangelist's message is with sub-
4. Go no faster than people can follow. jects on the preparation to meet the events
("Testimonies," Vol. III, pp. 19-21.) brought to view by the message. ("Testimo-
5. If we err, err on the side of the people. nies," Vol. I, p. 559.)
("Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods," p. 12. Courtesy and patience with the ignorance
104, par. 4; p. 43, pars. 8, 9, 10.) of others to be the outstanding characteristics
6. Avoid overemphasizing one feature of the of those teaching health reform principles.
health message. (Id., p. 105, par. 1.) ("Ministry of Healing," p. 157.)
TT is both interesting and desirable to under- In working for this group, we find three out-
-I- stand the typical positions and attitudes of standing questions which they usually raise in
communicants of other denominations, and order to justify themselves in maintaining
especially to be acquainted with certain stock their stand. Here are the three, followed by
questions that spring logically and inevitably suggestive answers.
from their teachings. Only thus can we suc-
First: Was not Luther a godly man? Did
cessfully meet those honestly holding these not the Lord use him to bring about the Refor-
positions. These problems need to be dealt
mation? If so, then why did he not keep the
with in_such a _winsome-but conclusive--way
-Sabbath and preach baptism by immersion?
that those who hold them will not be offended.
Constructive help must therefore be given in As workers we never hesitate to say that
order to lead them from their false views to Luther was a man of God, and that he was
the true. used mightily of Him to bring about the Prot-
Adherents of different denominations present estant Reformation. Furthermore, we believe
differing problems. The Lutheran Church is that Luther will have his place in the kingdom
the one we shall deal with briefly here. In of God. Why then did the Lord not reveal the
North America we find many believers in this Sabbath to him, together with some of the
faith, especially among the German-speaking other doctrines which we are heralding today?
population. Individuals of this persuasion are In answering this question we must first show
not very easily convinced of present truth, but that a far-reaching apostasy began after the
when they are, and when they accept the third death of the apostles, and that spiritual dark-
angel's message, we find them very loyal to it ness began to reign so that at the beginning of
and willing to support it in every way. the Reformation period the world truly was in
* Compiled by Harold M. Walton, M. D., College
gross spiritual error.
of
Medical Evangelists, Loma Linda, Calif. Through the Reformation, God began to
Page 16 The MINISTRY November
bring back to the world the light which was The Lord does not tell us to hold fast to any
to grow brighter and brighter until it would doctrine or truth that is not taught in the
again be seen in all its fullness. When God word of God. Timothy knew the Holy Scrip-
began to cause His light to shine forth. He tures. He was true to the truths taught in the
did not reveal all of it at once. The world was Bible. Therefore he was admonished to con-
not ready in the days of Luther for all the tinue in the things which he had learned.
fundamental truths that should be taught by Many Lutherans swear allegiance to their
the remnant church. Much preliminary, pro- church, and have vowed to remain true to its
gressive work was needed. In Proverbs 4:18 teachings, and then naturally feel that it is a
we read: "The path of the just is as the shin- sin to break this vow. Because of this, one
ing light, that shineth more and more unto the must be very careful in dealing with this ques-
perfect day." We stress the thought "that tion. If we have made a vow to remain true
shineth more and more unto the perfect day." and faithful to something that we later learn
There are many Christians who do not have is not Biblical, it surely is not a sin to break
all the light of present truth. They are sincere the vow, and so be free to repudiate erroneous
in what they believe, and are, no doubt, ac- doctrine and accept the truth of God.
cepted in God's sight. But when more light is
brought to them and they refuse to accept it, Third: Is not faith everything, and works
then they are rejected. The restoration of the nothing?
true Sabbath was, according to the prophecies, This is a very natural proposition for a
to be a special work in the time of the end. Lutheran to believe, because Luther's key doc-
The world was not ripe for it in Luther's day; trine was, "The just shall live by faith." He
other and later reformers were to arise and himself spoke of the epistle of James as a book
bring more light. They were not only to pro- of "straw," because it teaches a faith that
claim the Sabbath truth and baptism by im- works. Having been in the Catholic Church
mersion, but other fundamental truths, such as where he saw nothing but works, and having
"the state of the dead," "punishment of the accepted the doctrine of justification by faith
wicked," "tithing," etc. This will appeal to in contrast, he very naturally swung to the
the reasonable mind. other extreme of excluding the rightful re-
lationship of works.
Second: "My father and mother were Luther- The Lutheran of today thinks that a mere
ans, and died in that faith. Why should we belief in Christ assures him of salvation, re-
change? Before they passed away, we prom- gardless of what he does. We, of course, agree
ised them that we would hold fast to what we with him that faith is essential, and that
have." Christ is the central theme of the Scriptures;
Some years ago a good Lutheran told me but we cannot accept the thought that merely
that he believed what the Bible taught. When to believe in Him, and not to do the works
I asked what he meant by that statement, he which He did, will save us, for "faith without
said: " 'Hold that fast which thou hast.' My works is dead." This will usually be seen when
father and mother were Lutherans, and I with clearly explained. We cannot be saved by our
them am going to remain in the Lutheran own works, but true faith in Christ will bring
Church." I told him that the Lutherans did obedience to Him in the lives of His true fol-
not believe in the kind of interpretation which lowers. Having been justified by faith, we
he had just put forth, because if they did there live the life of the Son of God, a life that re-
never would have been any Lutherans. Luther's veals righteous works. It is well to be pre-
parents were Catholics, and he himself was pared on these three points when working with
a Catholic; and his parents told him to hold Lutherans.
fast to what he had. But Luther stepped out Washington. D. C.
from the Catholic Church because he saw the
error of the church, and because of the new xi
light which God opened before him. If he had BE not overly elated by seeming success, nor
heeded the counsel of his parents, he would unduly cast down by apparent failure, as oft-
have died a Catholic. Then I asked this man times man's estimate of success or failure dif-
why the Lutherans sent out missionaries to fers markedly from God's estimate thereof.
heathen countries, for heathen parents teach Indeed, many a failure is turned to success
their children to hold fast to what they have. by our Lord, when it has done its chastening,
This usually proves to be a helpful query. purifying work.
It is essential to show that when God says.
"Hold that fast which thou hast," we must SPECIALISTS have been facetiously labeled as
have Biblical truth to hold to, and that this those who know more and more about less
is what Paul meant in writing to Timothy: and less. Be that as it may, the general prac-
"Continue thou in the things which thou hast titioner in the gospel field is the indispensable
learned and hast been assured of, knowing of mainstay of this movement. Without him the
whom thou hast learned them; and that from specialist would be in a predicament. This we
a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures." should all remember.
1934 The MINISTRY Page 17
to discard everything unrelated to the idea and and Joshua V. Himes secretary, of one in a
include all that is essential to it. series of such epochal conferences. James
Diction.—Use the short Anglo-Saxon equiva- White was likewise a First Day Adventist
lents in preference to words of Latin origin. preacher and full-fledged participant prior to
"Chew," "lie," "think," are stronger than "mas- the disappointment. The Harmon family, in-
ticate," "prevaricate," "ruminate."
cluding Ellen Harmon [White], was expelled
Quotations.—Quote only from reliable sources,
and make clear, specific references to such from the Methodist Church in 1843 for accept-
sources, preferably in footnotes, giving author, ing the same Adventist teaching. T. M. Preble,
exact title of article, publication, and page. who brought the Sabbath truth, and 0. R. L.
Manuscript.—Use unruled typewriter paper of Crosier, who introduced the sanctuary light,
good quality. Begin your article nearly half- were in the 1843-44 movement, as was Hiram
way down the first sheet. Make the margins Edson and many others.
wide, double-space the lines, number each page Never should we seek to avoid the odium that
at the top center, identify your article with a attaches to aspects of the Miller movement, and
title and your name, and use one side of the
then claim spiritual kinship and chronological
paper only. Typewritten material is preferable
to handwritten offerings. A simple paper clip heritage for the threefold message. Such a
will suffice as fastening. Da not roll or dog-ear course does not comport with Christian ethics.
the sheets. Wherever possible, as in the case of Let us be meticulously consistent and honest in
bulky manuscript, mail flat without folding. the historicity of this movement. L. E. F.
No discouragement is intended to veteran
contributors to our papers. Our editors are
happy to receive the inspirational material THE MINISTER'S BOOKS
which comes to their desks. We would merely Reading Course and Reviews
bespeak for them an intelligent cooperation in
this matter of presenting manuscripts in a way
that would require the least revision on the "GOSPEL KEY WORDS," by W. E. Howell. South-
editorial desk. One of the most useful little ern Publishing Association., Nashville, Tennessee.
239 pages. Cloth, special price, 50 cents.
handbooks on grammar, punctuation, and capi-
talization is the style manual published by the In these testing times when every point of
Review and Herald Publishing Association, truth and doctrine is being scrutinized by friend
"A Guide to Correct English," by Mary A. and foe, it is well to fortify our knowledge of
the Scriptures by every available means. As a
Steward.
help to the Bible student to know what the
Berrien Springs, Mich. Scriptures really say and as the best key to
what they mean, the book, "Gospel Key Words,"
by W. E. Howell, is being offered at a special
THE QUERY CORNER price. This work treats outstanding words and
phrases of the New Testament "studied from
Sundry Ministerial Problems the original with special reference to those who
do not read Greek, but of equal value to those
who do."
Relation to Millerism The plan is to examine the Greek original for
each word treated, giving its literal meaning,
Conflicting statements are frequently heard the number of times it occurs, a list of all the
as to whether we were or were not integrally scriptures in which it is found, with comments
connected with the Miller movement, dictated and illustrations of its force—all alphabetically
apparently by viewpoint or expediency to avoid arranged. Such terms as these are typical:
the odium of Millerism. What are the facts in abide, abound, appearance, approved, ask, bap-
the case? tize, beast, behold, belief, blessed, boast, camel,
care, chasten, covenant, creation, crown, damna-
To sometimes claim that we sprang from and tion, eternal, everlasting, firstborn, forever, ful-
therefore have an integral relationship to the fill, gehenna, generation, haciefielI, judge, law,
Miller movement, and at other times to deny Lord, love, master, meat, power, preach, pre-
that we had any integral part in the mistaken destinate, prophet, sabbath, seal, soul, spirit,
positions of that movement,—in fact, that "we teacher, throne, watch, week, world, and numer-
were not organized until 1861,"—is but an un- ous other words and phrases, with a treatise on
supplied words.
worthy technical evasion. It is unbecoming to
shift position as need or convenience may dic-
tate. We either did or did not spring organ-
CANDIDATES for salvation should be led to
ically from the Miller movement, and the his-
hate sin, and shun it as they would a dose of
toric facts fulfilling the prophetic delineations
deadly poison, which it surely is.
aver that we did.
Joseph Bates was an important figure in the THE race is floundering in the bog of a
first angel's message. He was one of the group demoralized civilization. Multitudes of sink-
authorizing and calling the first General Con- ing men and women grope frantically for real
ference of Christians Expecting the Advent, held help, not speculative theories that have no
in 1840, and a member of its committee on ar- direct bearing upon salvation. We must not
rangements. Indeed, in 1842 he was chairman, disappoint them.
Page 20 The MINISTRY November
Understanding
NOTES AND NOTICES BY Lot:ISE C. KLEUSER
Items of Interest to Workers COULD we but know the conflicts of our brother,
And read his thoughts, and feel his heartbeats
1 strong,
How many times we'd cheer instead of utter
SEPTEMBER 23 offered a fine cross section for The word of censure for what to us seems wrong!
Ministerial Reading Course registrations re- Yes, might we know, and know as Jesus knoweth,
ceived, with a total of seventeen for the day. His trials, his weakness, all his motives true,
Would we not really marvel at his courage,
They were divided as follows: Would we not make our criticisms few?
3 Executives
5 Pastor-evangelists And could we lift the veil to catch the vision
2 Bible teachers Of every struggle, handicap, and tear
2 Departmental secretaries Our brother knows because of fettered forces,
1 Secretary-treasurer Would we not wait, withhold rebuke with fear?
1 Sustentation beneficiary
7. Singing evangelist And then to think, our brother is but human,
1 Interne He slips and fails and errs—but we the same—
1 Chaplain Must sink us to the depths of sound contrition,
And love well forth our brother to reclaim
REGULAR and recognized married Roman South Lancaster, Mass.
Catholic priests are thus described by the
Presbyterian (August 23, 1934) :
"The Carpatho-Russian Church, with about ten THE FIELD SAYS-
million communicants and a million living in
the United States, recognizes marriage among the Through Our Letter Bag
clergy, and this group is in turn recognized as a
Uniat Church by the Papal See. As a result, there
are perhaps one hundred fifty priests listed in the
official Roman Catholic year book who are married. Radio's Fruitage.—Steadily the number of
A little fifty-page booklet tells the interesting story our radio listeners grows. Prejudice is being
of these people, and their courageous attempt to hold
to this sane and spiritual custom. The Holy See is swept away and friends made for the truth.
attempting to crush out the custom, although such One Sunday afternoon recently we invited our
persecution would go directly against the promise
made in 1646. Other interesting items in the wor- radio audience to the church to hear the lec-
ship of these people include the absence of all images, ture for that night. They came, and the church
giving communion in both kinds, bread and wine
(Romanists proper only receive the bread), genuflec- was packed to the door. The subject was, "The
tions, the rosary, etc., are forbidden, and congrega- Judgment," and was illustrated by a model of
tional singing is used."
the Mosaic tabernacle. The theme seemed to
ATTENTION is called by the Sunday School grip the hearts of these radio listeners, some
Times (August 5, 1934) to Britain's recent and of whom had come for the first time. One
epochal step that reverses its historic positions: morning some people who had driven nearly
"Admiralty instructions directing that salutes shall thirty miles, stopped at the parsonage, the
be fired from His Majesty's ships, forts, and batteries
in honor of the Pope and his nuncios, internuncios, radio having reached them in their country
and legates met with at sea or arriving at, or quitting, home. The woman, who had formerly been a
any place in His Majesty's dominions."
member of our church, left forty dollars tithe
THE Christian Advocate (July 19, 1934) tells and three dollars for the radio expense. We
of "the service which pastors may render thank God for this wonderful means of reach-
through premarital interviews. Some minis- ing the people, and believe the radio will ma-
ters make this an invariable rule. The pro- terially help to "finish the work, and cut it
cedure varies from a single talk with the cou- short in righteousness." H. A. VANDEMAN.
ple to a series of meetings, some together and Harrisburg, Pa.
some separately. Pastors who have done this
work for a long period report astonishingly Evangelistic Effort by Young People.—
favorable results in the high average of success When the plan of an evangelistic effort by
of the families which they have helped join young people was presented to the M. V. So-
together."
ciety of the Twenty-third Street (Indianapolis)
LIBERTY has fallen upon evil days because of church, they were greatly interested and unani-
the abuses that shelter under its canopy. So mously voted to support such an effort. So
declares the Methodist Christian Advocate with the help of the leader of their society,
(September 6, 1934) : we secured a location in the city, got out our
"'Liberty' is a word that fell under suspicion as advertising, and began our meetings. The first
long ago as the French Revolution, when a brave
lady on her way to the guillotine exclaimed, 'Oh, night found a large crowd, and in fact we had
Liberty, what crimes are committed in thy name !' a good attendance every night. We carried on
'Personal liberty' was the slogan of the organized
groups who by the repeal of the Eighteenth Amend- the regular line of evangelistic subjects from
ment have condemned thousands to personal slavery the very beginning, the major portion of the
to strong drink. Therefore, when any social or - po-
litical group writes 'Liberty' on its letterhead, a good speaking being done by the young people's
many people will begin to inquire what new mis- leader and myself. The young people of the
chief is afoot that requires the camouflage of that
honorable word which the fathers of our nation church helped in every way possible, running
handed down to us unsullied." the stereopticon machine, furnishing special
"ALL GRACE THROUGH MARY" is the signifi- music, taking up the offering, helping in the
cant title of a tract recently advertised in visiting, giving out literature, and a number
America (R. C.). of them joined in the Bible readings.
1934 The MINISTRY Page 21
It was our purpose and plan at first to have forming the New Testament of His grace and
the young people do much of the visiting, but love. L. E. 3'.
as we were in an extremely Catholic and Pente- (Bibliography will appear in next issue.)
costal district, it was not long until we found
our difficulties multiplying, especially in the ft B
homes of the people. When we would go to
the homes to visit, we would find their minister
The Book of Philippians
there waiting to argue with us. This made it (Continued from page 10)
necessary for the young people's leader, the 3. To unity in diligence, and developing the spiritual
Bible worker, and me to do most of the visiting. life personally. 12-18
(God is working in them: Paul is working for
The results have been far beyond what we fullness of joy through them.)
dared hope, as it has been a continuous battle 2:19-30
IV. Second Personal References:
against greater difficulties than we had expected. 1. As to the soon coming of Timothy. 2 :19-23
Our effort was not restricted to young people, 2. As to his own expected release and visit. 23, 24
3. As to the recent ministry of Epaphroditus. 25-30
but was conducted for every one. We baptized
some persons past fifty years of age, as well as V. Second Exhortation, With Doctrinal Parenthesis:
3:1 to 4:1
a number of younger people. In four different 1. To joy in the Lord. 3:1
a. Warning against Judaic formalism. 2-16
families three members of the family were bap- The true circumcision alone can thus
(1)
tized, which is rather unusual, for as a rule rejoice. 2, 3
we do not get so many from a family. When (2) Paul's Jewish antecedents no cause for
confidence. 4-7
we organized our Sabbath school, the young (3) His present Christian experience no cause
for confidence. 8-11
people took complete charge of this phase. We (4) Continued progress the only rule. 12-16
believe in utilizing the young people in evan- b. Warning against antinomian teaching. 17-21
gelism. (1) The life of many formalists at Rome. 17-19
W. C. LOVELESS. (2) The life of a true Christian. 20
Indianapolis, Ind. (3) The blessed hope, its inspiration. 20, 21
2. To steadfastness in the Lord. 4:1
3. To unity among the sisters. 2
4. To helpfulness among the workers. 3
5. To joy in the Lord. 4
6. To "sweet reasonableness" in view of Christ's
New Testament Canon—No. 1 1 coming. 5
7. To a holy "carelessness" and "prayerfulness." 6, 7
(Continued from page 11) 8. To engrossment in spiritual things. 8
9. To imitation of His life. 9
basis for our confidence by their irrational at-
VI. Conclusion: 4:10-23
tacks would be to flaunt the universally ac- 1. Acknowledgment of aid received. 10-19
cepted principle of sound historical evidence 2. Salutations and benediction. 20-23
which governs in every investigation of this
3 U 3
character. It would leave the growth of the
Christian church and its inseparable Book with-
out an adequate explanation, with mankind
VI. History of the "Woman"
headed for the great port of destiny devoid of (Continued from page 9)
dependable chart or compass. Indeed, the
. . . Theodoret adds: 'Many shone from apos-
omission of a single book that has been at- tolic gifts, and many bore in their bodies the
tacked would mar the unity and symmetry of marks of Christ.' " 4
the whole, and break the completeness and per-
fection of the inspired collection. With such As stated before, three hundred eighteen
destructive objectives and tactics we have no bishops attended this council. They had as-
part nor sympathy. sembled from all parts of the empire, mostly
We must therefore conclude, on the basis of from the East. There was an immense number
the evidence submitted, that the original or of presbyters also. Another ancient church
antecedent cause of writing was the great com- historian says: "Some of these ministers of
mission of Christ to His apostIesF-the imme- God were -eminent-for--their-wisdom, -some--for
diate cause was the particular circumstance the strictness of their life and patient endur-
that made the penning of the individual book ance of persecution, and others united in them-
necessary; the motivating cause of assem- selves all these distinguished characteristics."
blage and recognition was the rise of the sects, Final Analysis
revealing the danger of unrestrained individ- Fntsv.—The church of Ephesus, from Pente-
ualism, and leading inevitably on to the au- cost to about 100 A. D., was reproved by God
thorized acceptance of the universally recog- because it had lost its first love.
nized writings, as the norm of faith of the SECOND.—It was commended for its labor and
universal church, not imposed, but received; patience and works.
and as the inevitable culmination, the trans- TI1IRD.—It hated the heresy of the Nicolai-
mitting cause, projecting them through the tanes, which the Lord also hated.
centuries for the blessing of all nations, was FOURTH.—It was admonished to repent, or
the manifest human need coupled with the di- the candlestick would be removed.
vine provision of supply, impressed upon de-
vout scholars by the Holy Spirit. So back of The Church of Smyrna, 100-325 A. D.
it all stands God watching over His word, and FIRST.—God knew their tribulation and pov-
Page 22 The MINISTRY November
erty. "But thou art rich," said He. And who unto you, but have showed you, and have taught
dares change that declaration of God? you publicly, and from house to house, testify-
SECOND.—There were false brethren in that ing both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks,
church whom the Lord called the synagogue of repentance toward God, and faith toward our
Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 20:17-21.
Satan.
THIRD.—This church, the Ancient, or Post- Such a record of one's ministry, approved by
Apostolic, Catholic Church, organized by the those who knew his ministry, is a strong illus-
apostles, was rich in patience, tribulation, faith, tration of how Paul labored to win souls. Of
etc., and God had no reproof for them, notwith- his service in raising up the Corinthian church,
standing there were many false Christians we find him writing to them thus:
among them. They were not asked to repent "Have I committed an offense in abasing my-
like the churches of Ephesus, Pergamos, Jeze- self that ye might be exalted, because I have
bel in Thyatira, Sardis, and Laodicea. preached to you the gospel of God freely? I
FouirrH.—The whole Roman Empire hurled robbed other churches, taking wages of them,
its mighty power against the Post-Apostolic to do you service. And when I was present
with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no
Catholic Church to annihilate it, but all in vain.
man: for that which was lacking to me the
The Post-Apostolic Church triumphed, and hum- brethren which came from Macedonia supplied:
bled to the dust by the power of God the mighty and in all things I have kept myself from being
host of pagan Rome,—for moral suasion is burdensome unto you, and so will I keep my-
stronger than civil power. self." 2 Cor. 11:7-9.
(To be continued) In one grand summary Paul writes, "I am
Washington, D. C. made all things to all men, that I might by all
means save some. And this I do for the gos-
Neander, "Church History," Vol. I, p. 120 (Torrey-
Morrison edition). pel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof
Eusebius, "Church History," book 4, chap. 15. with you." This kind of ministry Paul carried
Id., book 5, chap. 7.
4 Hefele, "Church Councils," Vol. I, p. 272. See
on that he too might be saved. It was his love
also Theodoret's "Ecclesiastical History," book 1, for Christ and the love of Christ for him that
chap. 7.
Socrates, "Ecclesiastical History," book 1, chap. 8. constrained him to work and preach as he did.
Sometimes it may seem strange that Paul
3 3 did not bring in his nationalism and show that
his country was superior to all others. This he
Healing the Deadly Wound might have done when in Asia Minor or Syria
or Greece. He could have told a pretty tale of
(Continued from page 7) the superiority of his people, and boasted of
8. Removal of almost the last of Catholic many things. But only one thing concerned
disabilities in England. Paul, and that was that the people should ac-
9. Overthrow of socialism in Austria by a cept Christ as their personal Saviour. He de-
Catholic caucus. sired but one thing, and that was that all men
10. Rise of theories of government favorable might believe and be saved.
to Catholic principles. Adaptability to one's conditions and environ-
Looking over this amazing catalogue of
ment is ever a quality to be greatly sought
events, one cannot but admit that the "deadly
after by the preacher and the missionary.
wound" is now so completely healed that the
Controlling committees in the church and con-
Papacy is able—when it deems the hour pro-
ference may seem to annoy and irritate; but
pitious—to accomplish the final acts predicted
to be able to work gracefully and happily with
of it in the prophetic word.
all men under all conditions is a superior ac-
Watford, England. quirement.
MI MX The ability honestly to admire in others their
culture and art and accomplishment is worthy
of the best of preachers. To believe in other
Adaptability Essential to Successful people and to accept their statements, even if
Ministry sometimes grievously deceived, is far better
(Continued from page 1) than to lose faith altogether.
When in a strange land it is well to lose
might gain the weak." Luke tells us how Paul sight of one's own country, and never to in-
talked to the elders from Ephesus, how he used troduce invidious comparisons. They carry a
to live and preach: sting that rarely benefits any one. Nor is the
"From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called true missionary ever to assume or feel supe-
the elders of the church. And when they were riority.
come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from Frequently, because of conditions, ministers
the first day that I came into Asia, after what are so national that they neutralize their
manner I have been with you at all seasons, preaching by their self-conceit and prejudices.
serving the Lord with all humility of mind,
Few people care to listen to a preacher whose
and with many tears, and temptations, which
befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and speech strongly points to his superiority by
how I kept back nothing that was profitable birth or by citizenship above those to whom he
1934 The MI NISTRY Page 23
is talking. Strong nationalism undoes many a have been satisfied with the treatment accorded
missionary or minister, and disqualifies him to him, and grateful for any kindness shown.
for successful work. Paul was cosmopolitan, To the Philippians he wrote:
counting himself a citizen of the kingdom of "Even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again
God rather than of any kingdom of this world. unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift:
This spirit of adaptability made Paul not but I desire fruit that may abound to your ac-
a weakling in his ministry, but a tower of count. But I have all, and abound: I am full,
strength. Disinterested in politics, untainted having received of Epaphroditus the things
by the spirit of "nationalism," all his strength which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet
could be utilized in evangelical works. Though smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to
God." Phil. 4:16-18.
a Jew, he outmeasured all Jewish believers in
his desire to win men to Christ. Loving one Adaptability stands one in good stead on
man as another made it possible for the apostle many occasions. After the Civil War Henry
to preach Christ to all men with equal zest and Ward Beecher was to speak in the South. A
zeal. This ability to adapt oneself to existing large crowd was gathered, and he began to
conditions, to make oneself superior to condi- lecture. No one seemed attentive. He was
tions in any country and among any people, is perplexed. Again and again he tried to gain
a sign of intelligent self-control as well as of a the attention of the audience, but they would
special gift from God. not listen. Just as he was thinking of closing
Preachers are not to be a burden to people, because of the confusion, a general of the
so that they dread to see them come, owing to Southern army came into the church with his
their extreme notions and their demand for wife. Beecher had never met the general, but
personal attentions. "How beautiful are the had seen his picture. He at once stepped down
feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, from the platform, rushed up the aisle, em-
and bring glad tidings of good things," wrote braced the general, and led him to the plat-
the inspired penman. Preachers are not only form, giving him the best seat. The audience
to bring spiritual blessings to the people, but cheered. Beecher started again, and thereafter
they are also to preach the "gospel of peace." the closest attention was given to his remarks.
Their very presence should impart joy and Beecher had won by his tact and adaptability.
comfort in every household , they enter. This The ability to make the best of a bad situa-
is God's ideal for a minister of the gospel. tion, to adapt oneself to unfavorable conditions,
When one reads some of Paul's statements it shows superior intelligence, and is a gift much
is easy to conclude that he possessed in a to be desired. But it is not alone a natural
marked degree the ability to accommodate him- gift; it can be cultivated. By thought and
self to conditions where he traveled and where study it can be acquired. To be adaptable, to
he stayed. And we may conclude that this at- like other people, to be able sincerely to admire
titude on Paul's part made him welcome. As their good qualities, to remember that men are
we read in Galatians 4:14, "My temptation not "different," but "alike"—all these help to
which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor that Christlike adaptability which wins hearts.
rejected; but received me as an angel of God. As gospel ministers we should seek and culti-
even as Christ Jesus." Paul seems always to vate this gift. I. H. E.
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io
00
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE
410
0. ADAPTABILITY ESSENTIAL TO SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY 1
MESSAGES FROM OUR LEADERS: Dangers Threatening Our Schools—Our Statistical Picture . ... 3
THE LARGER OUTLOOK: The Minister's "Silent Partner" 5 il
-DELVING-INTO-THE-MDR-1Y:- Heatirci the Deadly Wntind 7-0.--
of
STUDIES IN CHURCH HISTORY: VI. The "Woman," or True Church (From Pentecost to the Council
io of Nice, 325 A. D.) 8 ii
ANALYSES OF NEW TESTAMENT BOOKS: Epistle of Paul to Philemon: "In Christ Freed"— :i.
Book of Ephesians: "In Christ Exalted"—Book of Philippians: "In Christ Rejoicing" 10
EDITORIAL KEYNOTES: The Advanced Bible School a Success—The New Testament Canon, No. 11:
Epilogue 11
VALUABLE QUOTATIONS
•11 12 ii
FEATURE: The Faith That Endures 12
HOMILETIC HELPS: The Immutability of His Counsel—Baptism 14
THE BETTER WORKMAN: Principles Governing Health Teaching—Dealing With Lutherans--What
1
of1 Constitutes Press News 15 ii
KINDLY CORRECTIVES: Insure Favorable Reception 18 l
THE QUERY CORNER: Relation to Millerism 19
THE MINISTER'S BOOKS: "Gospel Key Words" 19
NOTES AND NOTICES 20
THE FIELD SAYS: Radio's Fruitage—Evangelistic Effort by Young People 20
EDITORIAL POSTSCRIPTS 24
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AnnIrrinVMZZOMUSrinliMn!rleMnntinnnWitrri!roMIMMinnt,MMAMS`rrrinlitA
POSTSCRIPTS
REPRESENTATIVE! —The minister is not a pri- conservatism, with its accompanying frown
vate individual, with the independence, free- upon discussion, tends toward ultimate un-
dom, and obscurity incident to such. He is in- certainty and disaster; and repression of in-
stead a public official. This is properly so, for vestigation often ends in upheaval.
like an ambassador in a foreign land,—which SAFEGUARD!—"Systematic theology" may seem
he is in verity,—he speaks, writes, and acts al- a rather pretentious term. It may, by some, be
ways in a representative capacity. He assumes deemed something alien to the simplicity of the
such a solemn and unique responsibility when third angel's message. But, sweeping in as it
he accepts ordination vows. He deliberately does in full-rounded survey, the whole field of
foregoes certain freedoms. Well were it for us the fact of the Godhead, creation, moral law
to ponder these principles constantly. and government, sin and redemption with all
BREADTH! —The times demand men of broad its aspects in balanced relationship, rightly
sympathies, understanding, and vision. The hour studied and understood, systematic theology
calls for men who have a wide outlook, who see constitutes a mighty bulwark against fanati-
beyond the restricted limits of their own inter- cism or distorted emphasis upon a single truth
ests, territory, or line of work, to an all-embrac- or element of truth. Extremism is incompati-
ing world field and task. Men are needed who, ble with such a sound, well-balanced view of
banishing narrowness and selfishness, under- truth. We have suffered through the decades
stand and labor for the upbuilding of every of this movement because some failed to have
branch and section of our world work; men this safeguarding balance.
who are growing, not stagnating; men who can
differ on nonessentials or methods, and still ADEQUACY!—With a world structure crum-
respect and work with one another; men who bling about us, with Catholicism gaining power
can forgive an injury and still love as before and prestige by leaps and bounds, and with
the one who has wronged them. Such are the Protestantism drifting farther and farther from
kind of men needed in this movement today. the light and truth of its founders, are we ade-
quately meeting the challenge of the hour?
DECEIVED! —What is more pathetic than the
Multitudes are disillusioned by the failure of
hallucination of an individual worker, or a
degenerate Romanism and emasculated Protes-
group, believing, like Elijah, that "I, only I,
tantism to meet the needs of the soul and to
am left" in true defense of the faith? The
guide out of the bewildering religious and so-
feeling,—expressed or concealed,—that virtually
cial maze onto a platform of safety. Many are
all others have departed from, compromised, or
groping for an adequate explanation of past
betrayed that faith, leads to a species of spirit.
and present and a forecast of the future, and
ual pride, arrogance, and intolerance that is
above all for a satisfying presentation of the
ruinous both to the individual and to his serv-
ice. God's rebuke to Elijah applies just here, provisions of redemption in its consummating
phase that will both strip away all the innova-
and unless received will end in disaster. God,
tions of apostasy and restore the full primitive
who reads the inmost secrets of the human
gospel. And that is just what we are to offer
heart, has reserved to Himself an army of loyal
men today. These are the appealing fundamen-
adherents who have "not bowed the knee to
tals of the everlasting gospel that underlie all
Baal." Let men beware of impugning the mo-
phases of reform and revival. These constitute
tives or challenging the integrity and loyalty
in verity the essence of our message. Let us
of the larger body of associate workers who
not erect barriers against its reception by
have given their lives in unstinted service to
tactless approaches and distorted emphasis of
the cause both are seeking to upbuild.
irrelevancies.
DiscussioN!—The stifling of discussion is
contrary to the very genius of both civil and TURPITUDE! —Be not deceived by fair words.
religious democracy, for truth is a living, ex- Strangely and sadly enough, some of the most
panding principle. Repression of discussion is revolting cases of moral turpitude have been
ever characteristic of autocracy, with its cen- among those professing a great burden concern-
tralized power and its fear of disturbing the ing the higher spiritual life. Perhaps these
status quo. History marks it as notoriously aspirations and concerns were in themselves
the tool of tyranny and the instrument of error. sincere, but were swept under before the onrush
Freedom to ask questions, to differ, to discuss, of overmastering passion. But profession or
fosters truth and exposes error. Controversy concern does not in itself constitute the cri-
occupied a large part in the formation of the terion of truly spiritual life. Here preeminently
New Testament canon. Debate sifts fallacy actions speak louder and more convincingly
from fact and error from truth; but stagnating than words. L. E. s'.