MONTHLY PROGNOSTICATORS
AN ARTICLE by Bill Danielson in a recent popular magazine reflects that Spiritualism has indeed "come of age." Portions of four pages are dedicated to the "astounding predictions" of "Washington's favorite seer." Operating with crystal ball and sensitive finger tips, the subject of his article has indeed achieved a high degree of accuracy. This would amaze only those unfamiliar with the secrets of the "science" (seance).
Can it be that the headline-grabbing visit of the Pope of Rome has tended to obscure the steady rise and spread of Spiritualism? The restoration of papal influence and the ascendancy of Spiritualism were themselves predicted by a seer who needed neither crystal ball nor sensitive finger tips.
At a time when neither was thought possible, she uttered the prophecy. She further stated that Protestantism would ally itself with both. It is more than interesting to see the prophecies of Ellen White taking shape before our eyes. The Protestant-Catholic alliance is even now in process. And now comes this new respectability accorded spirit manifestations.
Is it not time to say to the world, "Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble" (Isa. 47:13, 14).
E.E.C.
DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP
CHRISTIANITY is at heart a fellowship. The apostles knew nothing of a solitary, hermitlike religion. The dynamic of the New Testament is learned and fully imparted only in an atmosphere of fellowship. That is what makes team evangelism so effective. The Master set the pattern when He chose twelve men to be "with Him." Only thus could He train them. Calling them to Himself, He said, "Come ye after me"; share My life; sleep out under the stars; tramp the dusty roads of Palestine; visit the palaces of the wealthy and the hovels of the poor. Learn of Me to pray and work and weep, "and I will make you to become fishers of men" (Mark 1:17). Jesus was the most creative Teacher who ever taught, the most impressive Preacher who ever spoke, but His greatest work was done behind the scenes, training a group of men and women to carry on after He had gone.
No evangelist's work is done until the evangelized become evangelists; until they have learned to do without him, to stand on their own feet and witness to others. It is always tragic when one so builds up himself that when he moves away the whole landscape seems to be changed.
Wise leadership always leads, but rather from the "back seat." The capacity to develop leadership in others is a rare quality. A minister who knows his work counts it a privilege to mingle with others. Of the Master it was said, "The common people heard him gladly." These were the ones who became His publicity agents. It has been well said:
"There's nothing like the comradeship, which
warms the lives of those
Who make the glorious circle of the Jacks, and Janes, and Joes."
R. A. A.
MASSIVE COLLAPSE
THE lights went out. Yes, throughout eight States there was darkness.
"What do ya' know," exclaimed one New Yorker, "I saw the stars!" The collapse of the artificial accentuated the real. As of this writing, this record failure of electric power is as inexplicable as the dark day of May 19, 1780. Charge and countercharge fills the air. And they range in scope from sabotage to gross negligence. The sad fact is that the impossible happened. When it was needed most, there was no Power! Days thereafter men were asking, "How could it happen? Why did it?"
The spiritual implications of this story are frightening. Has there been a massive spiritual power collapse in this hour of humanity's deepest need? In the pulpit that you serve, preacher, is the power there? Are you convicted by what you preach? Do men press in to hear you as though impelled by some unseen force? The gospel has lost none of its compelling power. Have we?
As I write these words the news indicates that power is gradually being restored to the cities of the East. This is good news—if not the best. That spiritual light should come suddenly to all areas is even more desirable. However, that it should come at all is the hopeful sign. May it shine more and more to the perfect day.
E. E. C.
