1910
Judgment or Blessing Today Yours To Choose — Matthew 25:31-46
That there is a day of judgment is a fact, but it is difficult, and not so important to decide the exact nature or time of the coming of the Lord to judgment. It is said in Matt 24:29-34 that "this generation shall not pass away till all these things be accomplished," and it is repeated in Mark 13:30, Luke 21:32, and again in Matt. 16:28, "there are some of them that stand here, which shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom," when "the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then shall he render unto every man according to his deeds."
This must refer to the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the old dispensation or age, and the coming of the gospel dispensation. But it does not exclude the great and final coming and judgment day at the end of that age.
There is really a judgment day at every great crisis of the nation or of our lives, at death, at the coming of rewards or punishments for our actions, at every time of decision. For instance, we have seen within the last few years many persons who have been for years growing rich by graft and dishonesty and have suddenly met their judgment day, while others have been reaping the rewards of faithful service. So young men who have been going on in course of drinking and rioting for a long time, suddenly find themselves drunkards, in ill health, incapacitated for their best work. They have been brought up at a judgment day; while those who have resisted temptation and been faithful and true are also reaping their rewards.
Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand. The sheep, the righteous. Come. Draw near to your Elder Brother, to your Father, to your home, for here is the place for you. Ye blessed of my Father means exactly "my Father's blessed ones," denoting not simply that they have been blessed by him, but that they are his. Blessings innumerable had come to them through their being willing to become his children and accept the kind of blessings he had to bestow, such as his loving care, the bestowal of the Holy Spirit, the experiences of the gospel, the renewal of the heart, the bestowal by the Spirit, the power to become children and heirs of God, the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, eternal life, the favor of God, the rest in the everlasting arms, the pavilion under the shadow of his wings.
Receive not by purchase, or by labors, but by becoming children of God, like God, and therefore heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ Every one must be the heir of him whose child he is. He that is a child of sin is an heir of sin; a child of the devil inherits from the devil; a child of goodness and of God inherits from God. The kingdom of heaven, the kingdom which consists in righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Ghost (Rom. 14:17), in which saints reign over infinite forces and powers to make them minister to happiness and good: "All things are yours," because "ye are Christ's."
Ye have done it unto me, the poor and needy and sick, and all the classes whom Jesus helped in Palestine are his representatives now on earth. The only visible expression of our love to him is through them. What a privilege this is to show our love to our Master. How it enriches our life if we keep in mind that we are not only helping the needy, but expressing our love to our Master. The unconsciousness of the righteous shows that their virtues were sincere and true. Whosoever does good deeds for the sake of the reward deserves no reward, and will obtain none, for the soul of goodness is left out of such deeds.
Unconscious goodness is the highest form of goodness. The beginner in music counts his measures, and studies on what note he shall place each finger; but the perfect musician strikes the right notes and expresses the right emotions almost as naturally as he breathes or as the birds warble their morning songs.
The cause of the doom was the refusal to do the deeds that belong to the heavenly kingdom and to be ruled by its motives. They refused to be fit for heaven. They decided to live selfish lives. The plan of their lives was such that all the evils of society — graft, child labor, poverty, degradation, crime, oppression, drunkenness, disease, could go on without any effort on their part to put an end to them.
The punishment is like the sin: it omits heaven and joy and God and the companionship of the good from our lives, and adds the everlasting fire.
This is a warning of love. It is a statement of the fact that by the very nature of things sin leads to ruin, and righteousness to heaven. No evil can enter heaven, for if it did heaven would not be heaven any longer.
President Eliot of Harvard, in an address to medical men, said that however people might refuse to believe in a future hell, it was the doctor's business to show young men that if they persisted in certain vices they would find a hell in this life. It is for each of us to make the choice, and start on the way which leads where we wish to go and live forever.
The law of the harvest is "to reap more than you sow."
Showing posts with label warning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label warning. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Watch!
1874
There is no period in a Christian's life without peril of sin. A wily foe attends his steps, watching with sleepless vigilance for opportunities which may be made occasions for his fall. The only security for the child of God, therefore, throughout his entire pilgrimage, is in unrelaxing watchfulness. As the citadel is only secure against surprise and capture, when faithful sentinels, with pauseless step, pursue their steady tread along its walls and before its gates, so, the soul, the temple of the Holy Ghost, is alone impregnable against the Prince of Darkness when all its powers, clad in Gospel mail, guard every avenue, with incessant vigilance, against the entrance of evil.
But there are seasons of peculiar jeopardy, when unusual perils beset the Christian, and so insidiously, as to threaten his safety with more than ordinary promise of success. We are passing through such a season now, and there is need of the note of warning which we sound from the head of this article. We have seen and heard enough already to satisfy us that without great caution, the Adversary will gather rich spoils from the present "panic." The scarcity of money will be a strong temptation to many to disregard the sacred obligations by which they are bound to support the cause of God in its various departments. The pressure is so great, the future so threatening, the necessity for retrenchment so imperious, and "withholding more than is meet" so much more consonant with natural inclination, than the self-denial which enhances the gifts we lay upon God's altar, that, without weariness, many good people will be seduced into the sin of "robbing God" who would shrink from wilfully bringing upon their souls so grievous a crime. This is the supreme peril of the times; let Christian people guard against it. Be sure that you are personally cramped by the prevalent stringency, before you make it a plea for withholding your dues from the Church or the claims of charity.
If really straightened, see to it that personal gratification is postponed to the claims of Him whose steward you are. It is right to be provident, but it is safe to give when the cause of God presents its claims, so long as there is anything with which to respond to its demands. The widow of Sarepta passed a "crisis" incomparably more trying than any we experience or are ever likely to encounter; and passed it safely, by dividing her scanty store with the prophet of the Lord. There is infinitely greater danger of damaging your soul by treacherous dealing with duty, than there is of impoverishing yourself by excessive contributions to the Lord's treasury. "Take heed then, and beware of covetuousness," which has a powerful ally in the present monetary stress. There is blessing or disaster for us in these trying times, according as we use them. Let us watch against the evils they threaten, and enrich our experience with all the spiritual benefits they are capable of yielding.
There is no period in a Christian's life without peril of sin. A wily foe attends his steps, watching with sleepless vigilance for opportunities which may be made occasions for his fall. The only security for the child of God, therefore, throughout his entire pilgrimage, is in unrelaxing watchfulness. As the citadel is only secure against surprise and capture, when faithful sentinels, with pauseless step, pursue their steady tread along its walls and before its gates, so, the soul, the temple of the Holy Ghost, is alone impregnable against the Prince of Darkness when all its powers, clad in Gospel mail, guard every avenue, with incessant vigilance, against the entrance of evil.
But there are seasons of peculiar jeopardy, when unusual perils beset the Christian, and so insidiously, as to threaten his safety with more than ordinary promise of success. We are passing through such a season now, and there is need of the note of warning which we sound from the head of this article. We have seen and heard enough already to satisfy us that without great caution, the Adversary will gather rich spoils from the present "panic." The scarcity of money will be a strong temptation to many to disregard the sacred obligations by which they are bound to support the cause of God in its various departments. The pressure is so great, the future so threatening, the necessity for retrenchment so imperious, and "withholding more than is meet" so much more consonant with natural inclination, than the self-denial which enhances the gifts we lay upon God's altar, that, without weariness, many good people will be seduced into the sin of "robbing God" who would shrink from wilfully bringing upon their souls so grievous a crime. This is the supreme peril of the times; let Christian people guard against it. Be sure that you are personally cramped by the prevalent stringency, before you make it a plea for withholding your dues from the Church or the claims of charity.
If really straightened, see to it that personal gratification is postponed to the claims of Him whose steward you are. It is right to be provident, but it is safe to give when the cause of God presents its claims, so long as there is anything with which to respond to its demands. The widow of Sarepta passed a "crisis" incomparably more trying than any we experience or are ever likely to encounter; and passed it safely, by dividing her scanty store with the prophet of the Lord. There is infinitely greater danger of damaging your soul by treacherous dealing with duty, than there is of impoverishing yourself by excessive contributions to the Lord's treasury. "Take heed then, and beware of covetuousness," which has a powerful ally in the present monetary stress. There is blessing or disaster for us in these trying times, according as we use them. Let us watch against the evils they threaten, and enrich our experience with all the spiritual benefits they are capable of yielding.
Monday, May 28, 2007
The World's End Coming Soon, According to Lima Man
Ohio, 1905
Whittredge Advises People to Sell Everything in Order to be "Clean" on Judgment Day
Lima, O., Feb. 22. — Wm. Whittredge, who was put in jail here for refusing to send his nine-year-old daughter to school because the world was coming to an end in March, is now issuing daily bulletins beseeching the people to watch and pray, claiming that he, like of Noah of old, has been delegated as the Lord's apostle and prophet.
Whittredge has formulated a new cult known as "The Church of the Israelites," which has for its teachings preparation for the coming of the Messiah. He has a number of converts in this and adjacent counties, and among his divine orders Whittredge instills the decree that followers must sell their worldly goods and be ready and "clean" to make their peace.
Yesterday Whittredge received in his mail, which has grown quite heavy, a letter from S. J. Hickey, dated East Orange, N. J., in which the writer asks for blessings, and follows with the statement: "Perhaps we can help each other in this situation through Christ, for I, too, have been jailed by the powers that be, and can heartily sympathize with you."
In his latest reiteration of the coming of the end in March, Whittredge proclaims through the press: "As it was in the days of Noah, so shall also the coming of Man now be. Noah knew and warned the people; remember some one else now knows. Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secrets to His servants, the prophets. Whereby, when ye regard, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ. Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, and it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets. And what I say unto you I say unto all. Watch and pray."
—The Newark Advocate, Newark, Ohio, Feb. 22, 1905, p. 6.
OTHERS
Who Agree With Wm. Whittredge
That the World is Coming to an End Next Month
East Orange, N.J., 76 Midland Ave.
Mr. Wm. Whitredge,
Lima, O., Feb. 14, 1905.
Dear Brother —
A recent press dispatch informs us that you have been jailed for refusing to send your daughter to school, your reason being that you believed the end to be so near as to make it not worth the while. I am also of the opinion that the destruction of the cosmos by fire, as predicted by the Apostle Peter, is very near at hand and extend you my sympathy. Will you kindly tell me what has convinced you of the truth concerning these last things, perhaps we can help each other in the situation through Christ. I, too, have been jailed by the powers that be, and can heartily sympathize with you.
Your brother in Christ Jesus. S. J. HICKEY.
The Lord is come with ten thousand of His saints to execute judgment upon all and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. These are murmurers, complainer walking after their own lusts, and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advance. Jude 14-15-16. A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh a sign, but no sign will be given but the sign of the Prophet Jonah. As it was in the days of Noah, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. Noah knew and warned the people; remember some one else will know. Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth His secrets to His servants, the prophets. Whereby, when ye regard, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ. Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. And what I say unto you I say unto all, watch and pray. MRS. WM. WHITTREDGE
—The Lima Times Democrat, Lima, Ohio, Feb. 20, 1905.
WAIT FOR WORLD TO END
Decatur, Ind., March 9. — Waiting for the world to come to an end and advocating the creed of their sect, several families, under the leadership of William Whittredge, formerly of Elgin, Ohio, are preparing for the millennium, which they say will be here in April. The little band has no name, but its members apparently are sincere in their belief. When Whittredge and his followers came here quietly several weeks ago they attracted little attention, but it was noticed that the entire band of three families was housed in one dwelling. Then the people of the neighborhood began to wonder. It was made known yesterday that the strangers were simply waiting for the world to come to an end and tracts were scattered over the city warning residents that the end is expected in April. The followers of Whittredge in preaching their doctrine point to revelations, and on the tracts they distribute are printed quotations from the bible. The members of the band are all intelligent and well informed.
—The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, IN, March 9, 1905, p. 9.
Whittredge Advises People to Sell Everything in Order to be "Clean" on Judgment Day
Lima, O., Feb. 22. — Wm. Whittredge, who was put in jail here for refusing to send his nine-year-old daughter to school because the world was coming to an end in March, is now issuing daily bulletins beseeching the people to watch and pray, claiming that he, like of Noah of old, has been delegated as the Lord's apostle and prophet.
Whittredge has formulated a new cult known as "The Church of the Israelites," which has for its teachings preparation for the coming of the Messiah. He has a number of converts in this and adjacent counties, and among his divine orders Whittredge instills the decree that followers must sell their worldly goods and be ready and "clean" to make their peace.
Yesterday Whittredge received in his mail, which has grown quite heavy, a letter from S. J. Hickey, dated East Orange, N. J., in which the writer asks for blessings, and follows with the statement: "Perhaps we can help each other in this situation through Christ, for I, too, have been jailed by the powers that be, and can heartily sympathize with you."
In his latest reiteration of the coming of the end in March, Whittredge proclaims through the press: "As it was in the days of Noah, so shall also the coming of Man now be. Noah knew and warned the people; remember some one else now knows. Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secrets to His servants, the prophets. Whereby, when ye regard, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ. Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, and it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets. And what I say unto you I say unto all. Watch and pray."
—The Newark Advocate, Newark, Ohio, Feb. 22, 1905, p. 6.
OTHERS
Who Agree With Wm. Whittredge
That the World is Coming to an End Next Month
East Orange, N.J., 76 Midland Ave.
Mr. Wm. Whitredge,
Lima, O., Feb. 14, 1905.
Dear Brother —
A recent press dispatch informs us that you have been jailed for refusing to send your daughter to school, your reason being that you believed the end to be so near as to make it not worth the while. I am also of the opinion that the destruction of the cosmos by fire, as predicted by the Apostle Peter, is very near at hand and extend you my sympathy. Will you kindly tell me what has convinced you of the truth concerning these last things, perhaps we can help each other in the situation through Christ. I, too, have been jailed by the powers that be, and can heartily sympathize with you.
Your brother in Christ Jesus. S. J. HICKEY.
The Lord is come with ten thousand of His saints to execute judgment upon all and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. These are murmurers, complainer walking after their own lusts, and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advance. Jude 14-15-16. A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh a sign, but no sign will be given but the sign of the Prophet Jonah. As it was in the days of Noah, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. Noah knew and warned the people; remember some one else will know. Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth His secrets to His servants, the prophets. Whereby, when ye regard, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ. Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. And what I say unto you I say unto all, watch and pray. MRS. WM. WHITTREDGE
—The Lima Times Democrat, Lima, Ohio, Feb. 20, 1905.
WAIT FOR WORLD TO END
Decatur, Ind., March 9. — Waiting for the world to come to an end and advocating the creed of their sect, several families, under the leadership of William Whittredge, formerly of Elgin, Ohio, are preparing for the millennium, which they say will be here in April. The little band has no name, but its members apparently are sincere in their belief. When Whittredge and his followers came here quietly several weeks ago they attracted little attention, but it was noticed that the entire band of three families was housed in one dwelling. Then the people of the neighborhood began to wonder. It was made known yesterday that the strangers were simply waiting for the world to come to an end and tracts were scattered over the city warning residents that the end is expected in April. The followers of Whittredge in preaching their doctrine point to revelations, and on the tracts they distribute are printed quotations from the bible. The members of the band are all intelligent and well informed.
—The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, IN, March 9, 1905, p. 9.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Crash of World in New War Told to Adventists
Oakland, California, 1922
Elder Arthur G. Daniells of Washington, D.C., world lecturer and traveler, and for more than twenty years president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, in an address at the Adventist convention in session here, declared that the gospel of Christ and the law of God in the hearts of men is the only solution to the present world conditions that he states are causing leaders to tremble and people to fear.
Using as the base of his talk the topic, "The World Situation as We Face it Tonight, and How to Meet That Situation Triumphantly," Elder Daniells spoke of the various signs which he stated indicated that more trouble was ahead, that nations were preparing for a more terrible war than the one recently brought to a close, and that infernal machines and other contrivances were being perfected for the slaughter of innocent women and children in defenseless cities.
"If the world would accept the only remedy adequate to meet the situation," declared Elder Daniells, "the gospel of Jesus brought into this world and abide by it, the millennium would dawn tomorrow.
"Not another gun would be needed," he continued, "not another war would come. We would no longer need a single jail nor a policeman, nor a court of justice and trial. The gospel of Jesus Christ when it lays hold of a man's heart lifts him above all these things and fits him for the society of angels and to live a right life among men."
The annual Northern California Convention of the Seventh-day Adventists is being held at the huge tent city at East Sixteenth street and Fruitvale avenue, where an evangelistic and educational program is being carried on. Various important business matters of the denomination are to be under discussion during the time of the convention.
—Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, August 16, 1922, page 4.
Elder Arthur G. Daniells of Washington, D.C., world lecturer and traveler, and for more than twenty years president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, in an address at the Adventist convention in session here, declared that the gospel of Christ and the law of God in the hearts of men is the only solution to the present world conditions that he states are causing leaders to tremble and people to fear.
Using as the base of his talk the topic, "The World Situation as We Face it Tonight, and How to Meet That Situation Triumphantly," Elder Daniells spoke of the various signs which he stated indicated that more trouble was ahead, that nations were preparing for a more terrible war than the one recently brought to a close, and that infernal machines and other contrivances were being perfected for the slaughter of innocent women and children in defenseless cities.
"If the world would accept the only remedy adequate to meet the situation," declared Elder Daniells, "the gospel of Jesus brought into this world and abide by it, the millennium would dawn tomorrow.
"Not another gun would be needed," he continued, "not another war would come. We would no longer need a single jail nor a policeman, nor a court of justice and trial. The gospel of Jesus Christ when it lays hold of a man's heart lifts him above all these things and fits him for the society of angels and to live a right life among men."
The annual Northern California Convention of the Seventh-day Adventists is being held at the huge tent city at East Sixteenth street and Fruitvale avenue, where an evangelistic and educational program is being carried on. Various important business matters of the denomination are to be under discussion during the time of the convention.
—Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, August 16, 1922, page 4.
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