Inequity!—It is manifestly unfair for a worker to spend recklessly, living beyond his income, and involving himself in debt and resultant pressure from his creditors,—thus bringing embarrassment to the church,—and then expect the employing organization to help when his inevitable extremity comes, even to canceling his debt in whole or in part. Such a program is a travesty upon the principles of Christian fairness and equity among brethren. It penalizes those who live within their income, who meet their obligations, and who thus preserve the fair name and credit of the denomination they publicly represent. Such scorn all special considerations beyond those specified provisions for emergency or illness applicable to all.
Criteria!—Neither passionate devotion to a cause, nor unreserved belief in its principles, constitutes evidence that a heart is right with God. Ponder the fanatical loyalty of many Moslems to their faith, of Ghandi to his political principles, not to mention hosts of noteworthy Catholics, Mormons, socialists, communists, and the like. No; mere activity, sincerity, and devotion are not the dependable criteria of truth, for these are shared by multitudes in every false religious, social, and political organization. Failure just here often deceives both friends and self. It likewise explains the pitiful lapse of some seemingly most ardent souls. Rather, it is the surrendered heart, the sanctified life, the eye single to the glory of God, coupled with possession by holy love, that constitute the touchstones of true devotion and service. These are sure and dependable evidences.
Untrustworthy!—Beware of "floating testimonies." There are in circulation spurious statements attributed to the Spirit of prophecy that, upon checking, have either been proved to be forgeries, or become sadly distorted through repetition and misquotation. Beware especially of garbled or spurious "unpublished testimonies." Unless properly released for circulation,--or at least duly verified by those appointed as the custodians of the original writings,—no credence should be placed in them. The printed volumes, pamphlets, and articles, available to all, form the safe sources for reading and quotation. To be safe regarding excerpts from file manuscripts, one should have the evidence that they have been officially released by the trustees of the Ellen G. White Estate and the General Conference Committee. Statements can be verified or disproved by appeal to Elmshaven.
Interpretation! —The fact that the identical wording of a Scripture text, historical citation, or Spirit of prophecy excerpt, conveys a different understanding to different minds—blessed, let us say, with equal training, sincerity, and intelligence—emphasizes this principle: Sharp distinction must be made between the unelucidated testimony of some quotation, datum, or fact under scrutiny, and its interpretation. And it is precisely at this point that differences arise, and frequently irritation and division result, just because one person or a group cannot see those expressions in the light understood by another person or group. Christian charity demands that credit for honesty, sincerity, and intelligence be extended to those gaining a differing understanding from the identical words. And the path to unity, under such circumstances, lies through open-minded counsel and unprejudiced study of one an-other's viewpoint, and not through attack, ridicule, or debate to defend a preconceived position.
Nicotine!—The tobacco evil constitutes a menace of vast proportions. Not content with persuading millions of women to smoke, cigarette manufacturers now reach out for adolescent youth. An alarming proportion of high school students smoke. A heavy percentage of educators, scientists, and even many clergymen, are silent as to its injurious effects because they themselves are slaves to the weed. The newspapers and periodicals are speechless because huge tobacco advertisements help to keep their presses turning. We need to inveigh against the evils of nicotine to a degree commensurate with its exploitation and its use. It has dragged down many of our own youth, marking the pathway of exit from the church. And it creates a more serious problem as concerns admission to the church because of its grip upon women and youth, as well as men. Here is scope for real reformatory education.
Grief!—Who can picture the grief awaiting those who know and believe the third angel's message, but who, instead of really sacrificing for its advancement in this golden hour of opportunity, consume their means upon themselves, all the while expecting to give sacrificially before it is too late. The last movements will be rapid ones. To many the close of probation will come suddenly, unexpectedly. Then it will be too late to help. The soul may be saved "as by fire," but, oh! the grief and sorrow at the loss sustained. This is the hour for sacrifice, and this we should bear home to the conscience of all believers.
L. E. F.
