Tbe
iamb
Vol. XIX
toette
DECEMBER, 1932
The Church Officers' Gazette
Issued monthly
Printed and published by the
REVIEW AND HERALD PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION
at Takoma Park, Washington, D. C., U. S. A.
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H. T. ELLIOTT, J. A. STEVENS
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ASSISTANT EDITORS
EMMA E. HOWELL
EDITORIAL COIINCIL
J. L. 1\1cELHANv C. K. MEYERS E. Komz M. E. Klan
EDITOR
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
No. 12
was passed at a recent General Conference Council concerning
the granting of church letters, denying the church the right
to vote a letter and then attach some conditions that would
discount the member as one not in good and regular standing;
and since tithe paying is not made a test of fellowship, it
can but be concluded that, after the church has faithfully
labored to help the member to become a faithful tithe payer
and has failed, the only thing a church could do would be to
grant the letter as in good and regular standing, providing
no other charge is preferred against the member.
2. "Should one who is not a tithe payer be given a position
in the church or Sabbath school?"
It is recommended that one known as a nontithe payer should
not be recommended by the nominating committee to an official
position in either the church or the Sabbath school.
Entered as second-class matter, January 20, 1914. at the post office at
Washington, D. C., under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879.
Choosing Church Officers
Cburcb 3 Ulnae (fr,. enerat
iftiotruction ;Department •
Special Appointments for the Month of
December
Home Missionary Day
Annual Week of Prayer
Annual Offering
Thirteenth Sabbath Offering
3
December
December 10.17
December
17
December
31
Questions Considered
Tim following questions come from a church officer in a
Western State:
1. "I understand that tithe paying is not a test of fellowship. What should be done with one who pays no tithe?
Could such a member be given a letter in good and regular
standing?"
It haS been the practice of the church that tithe paying is
not made a test of fellowship. However, it is an important
duty devolving upon every member to pay tithe, and it is
incumbent upon church officers to labor to the end that all
shall become tithe-paying members. In receiving members into
church fellowship, this question appears among others in the
examination of candidates for baptism and acceptance into
the church: "Do you recognize the fact that God claims one
tenth of all our substance as His for the support of His work
in advancing the gospel of Christ; and will you faithfully render
-to Him His own—the tithe and offerings in the support of the
world-wide -work of the church?" Therefore, to the question,
"What should be done with one who pays no tithe?" the only
answer is that such a one has failed in keeping his baptismal
-vow to God and the church, and subjects himself to the faithful
labor of church officers. They should help him to see his duty
in rendering to God that portion which He claims as His own.
It is often the ease that by tactful labor such a one may be
made to sense this obligation, and be won back to join with
his brethren in paying an honest tithe, proving anew the Lord's
-promise, "I will ... open you the windows of heaven, and pour
you out a blessing."
Your last question, "Could such a member be given a letter
in good and regular standing?" touches a vital point; and yet
we are led to conclude that after faithful effort has been put
forth by the officers of the church to win such a member into
becoming a loyal tithe payer, should the individual ask for a
letter of transfer, it could not be denied. Since a regulation
GREAT importance attaches to these annual elections in the
choosing of men and women who shall carry the responsibilities
of the work in thousands of churches the ensuing year. A few
general observations and suggestions may be helpful.
The church, in the fear of God, should endeavor to choose
such persons as will best serve the interests of the church and
work of God in all its varied departments of activity. Since
"the church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of
men," and "it was organized for service, and its mission is to
carry the gospel to the world" ("The Acts of the Apostles,"
p. 9), too much care and prayerful consideration cannot be
given to this all-important work of electing officers. Never
should persons be elected merely to have a compliment paid
them. Position or place of honor is not the prerogative of
church official responsibility.
Concerning the choosing of the seven deacons in the early
church the Bible records, in few words, some of the characteristics necessary for those called to serve in positions of
resporisibility in the church. "Wherefore, brethren, look ye
out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy
Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."
Acts 6:3. Honest men endowed with the Holy Ghost and
having wisdom axe such as should be called to any and all
positions in the church. They should be men whose lives are
fragrant with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
But withal, they must be individuals of wisdom to know how
to carry on the work of the church in a strong and aggressive way.
The work of cluirch officers is twofold: First, as spiritual
leaders in the feeding and holding of the members already
in the church; and second, as having ability to gather new
members. A live church will be a growing church. Activity
is life, stagnation is death. This is as true in the spiritual
as in the physical world. Church officers should not be satisfied
in merely holding the church membership year after year.
They should work and plan for growth in the spiritual life,
as well as for growth in the church membership. To accomplish this end the congregation must be fed as they gather
together from time to time. The apostle Paul gave wise and
wholesome instruction when he wrote to the elders that they
should "feed the church of God." This requires ability that
comes from training and experience. Some men are natural
leaders, but they must learn by practical experience in order
to become proficient leaders. The school of experience in life's
duties is of inestimable value.
Thus in the selection of church officers careful consideration
should be given to men's natural and acquired abilities. Those
should be selected who give the best promise of success in their
work. The church is not an experiment station. While new
men must now and again be elected to various posts of responsibility in the church, such selections should be made
2
December, 1932
THE CHURCH OFFICERS' GAZETTE
with great care and caution that mistakes be not made. Eternal results are in the balance, Never, in the opinion of the
writer, should changes be made in church officers merely and
solely for the purpose of making a change. If changes are
contemplated, they should be done with the one thought uppermost in the mind of the church, that the change will tend to
the greater strength and growth of the church. It is sad to
see persona elected who have neither natural nor acquired ability to do the work to which they are called. Worldly enterprise and keen business ability would look upon such a course
foolish in the extreme. Is it less so in connection with the
sacred and holy work of God in His church on earth? A man
may be well adapted and give valuable service in one line of
work, and be a complete failure in a position for which he has
no ability. This principle is recognized throughout the Bible.
"He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers." One man may
be endowed with the gift and ability to stand before the church
as an elder, a teacher of spiritual truth, who might prove a
complete failure as a treasurer. So it is of the utmost importance that men's gifts and abilities be carefully weighed when
it comes to the selection of those to carry the burdens of the
church as its officers. I know one man in a large city church
who has served more than twenty years as its treasurer. He
has been a success in his work. Would it be wise to change
ust merely to have a change?
j No person should be willing to accept a position of responsibility in the church unless be has clear convictions that by
the blessing of the Lord he can give efficient service in the
work to which he is called. There should be mutual conviction
both on the part of the church and the one elected that he
can and will, by God's blessing, carry on in the very best possible way in the building up of the interests of the church in
the line of service to which the individual is called.
A. R. OGDEN.
Havana, Cubs.
To the Newly Converted
You have received special blessings in giving your heart
to Jesus, and we are glad you have taken this advance step.
During the short time since your baptism you have learned
that Satan still tempts one as before, even more strongly, and
that it is still a battle to stand against his assaults.
You have turned from darkness to light, from the power of
Satan to the power of God; you have received forgiveness of
sins, and an inheritance among those who are sanctified. It is
for you now to learn to "endure hardness, as a good soldier."
Satan assails in different ways, but remember, that with
every temptation God has also provided a way of escape. It
is for you to look for the escape, not at the temptation.
Your feelings will be one avenue by which Satan will approach you. He will come and whisper to you, "Your conversion was all emotion and excitement, there has been no real
change in you; it is simply your imagination." Many have
fallen here. But you have made a definite choice, you have
decided to follow Christ—feelings or no feelings. Say to
yourself: "My heart is fixed, I have received Jesus, I do believe on His name, I will hold on to these facts no matter
what may be my feelings." "Thou wilt keep him in perfect
peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee," not on feelings. Feelings must not rule us. Learn to live in Christ; then whatever
takes place, you shall be able to say with the apostle, "None
of these things move me."
Love of dress, passion for reading bad and trashy literature,
too intimate familiarity with the enemies of your Lord, wasting
time in search for pleasure, which we ought to spend in the
service of God, all lead to certain defeat. Remember that
you have no right to go into the fire and then cry, "Lord save
me." This is gambling with faith. "Come out from among
them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord." Obey!
Watch the beginnings. Seek to avoid taking the first wrong
step! Keep away from known sin! Have you fallen/ Then
arise. Flee to the cross! Look to Jesus, who would not have
you live under a cloud. He is always ready to pardon.
G. F. RUF.
Home
Altpartittent
CONSECRATION FOR SERVICE
Suggestive Program for First Sabbath Home
Missionary Service
(December 8)
Som.: "Draw Me Nearer," No. 282 in "Christ in Song."
RESPONSIVE SCRIPTURE READING: No. 979 in "Christ in Song"
(Rom. 12:1-8; Phil. 2:5-11).
PRAYER.
CHURCH MISSIONARY SECRETARY'S REPORT.
OFFERING FOR CHURCH MISSIONARY WORK.
&mow, Music: No. 16 in "Christ in Song," as a solo; or No.
600, "Ready to Do His Will," by congregation.
MESSAGE FOR THE DAY: "Consecration for Service," by Elder
J. A. Stevens.
CLOSING SONG: "Entire Consecration," No. 316 in "Christ its
Song."
Note to Leaders
IT is said that an artist once drew a picture of a wintry
twilight, with heavy snows, and in the background a dreary,
dark house, desolate in the storm. There was something lacking in the picture. It was saddening to look upon. Then,
with one stroke of the brush, the artist put a dot of yellow
upon the window of the house, and the effect was magical.
The whole scene was transformed, and one's thought was turned
from dreariness without to the warmth and cheerfulness within.
May it be that today the great Artist will touch the hearts
of the members of your congregation with the bright beams
of the Sun of Righteousness, illuminating the pathway of consecration leading into that deeper experience in the things of
God which is so necessary, and make your church a center
of light in the community because of the warmth and cheerfulness of Christian fellowship which abides within the lives
of its members. To this end, we unite with you in prayerful
anticipation.
GENERAL CONFERENCE HOME MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT.
Consecration for Service
J. A. STEVENS
Secretary, General Conference Home Missionary Department
WE live in a solemn time. Events occur daily which indicate
the fulfillment of prophecy pertaining to "the time of the
end." Men's hearts are failing for fear; stability seems to
have forsaken society, and elements are at work which threaten
the existence of national and international government. Surely
we see the fulfillment of the word of the apostle John when
he wrote: "Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea!
for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he bath but a short time." Rev. 12:12.
The power of the devil's evil working is seen on every hand,
and every man, woman, and child is exposed to the souldestroying influences which he has set loose in the world.
It is the purpose of God that "where sin abounded, grace
did much more abound" (Rom. 5:20); and to His people
today, as truly as at any time in the history of the church,
applies that blessed assurance, "Ye are of God, little children,
and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you,
than he that is in the world." 1 John 4:4.
"To His church, Christ has given ample facilities, that He
may receive a large revenue of glory from His redeemed, purchased possession. The church, being endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His depository, in which the wealth of
His mercy, His love, His grace, is to appear in full and final
display. The declaration in His intercessory prayer, that the
Father's love is as great toward us as toward Himself, the
only begotten Son, and that we shall be with Him where He is,
forever one with Christ and the Father, is a marvel to theheavenly host, and it is their great joy. The gift of His Holy
Spirit, rich, full, and abundant, is to be to His church as am
Vol. 19, No. 12
THE CHURCH OFFICERS' GAZETTE
encompassing wall of fire, which the powers of. hell shall not
prevail against."—"Testimurmies to Ministers," p. 18.
"In the time of the end, when God's work in the earth is
closing, the earnest efforts put forth by consecrated believers,
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, are to be accompanied
by special tokens of divine favor."—"The Acts of the Apostles," p. 54. It is "consecrated believers" who are the instruments chosen by God through whom to manifest His power
in a special manner during the closing days of probation. Let
us therefore consider—
The Meaning of Consecration
In "Testimonies for the Church," Volume V, we find a striking
allusion to the illustration appearing above, from which we
quote as follows: "I have seen a device representing a bullock
standing between a plow and an altar, with the inscription,
'Ready for eitherl—willing to swelter in the weary furrow or
to bleed on the altar of sacrifice. This is the position the child
of God should ever be in,—willing to go where duty calls, to
deny self, and to sacrifice for the cause of truth. The Christian church was founded upon the principle of sacrifice. 'If
any man will come after Me,' says Christ, 'let him deny himself,
and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.' He requires the
whole heart, the entire affections. The exhibitions of zeal,
earnestness, and unselfish labor which His devoted followers
have given to the world, should kindle our ardor and lead us
to emulate their example. Genuine religion gives an earnestness and fixedness of purpose which molds the character to
the divine image, and enables us to count all things but loss
for the excellency of Christ. This singleness of purpose will
prove an element of tremendous power."—Page 307.
It is difficult for us, in this day of the automobile and
the airplane, to understand fully the meaning of the yoke in
the days when oxen were the principal beasts of burden. But
even today, in many lands, oxen are faithfully serving in the
same capacity as in ancient times. The yoke was a heavy
piece of wood, which was fastened about the neck of the ox,
having too loops, whereby two oxen were yoked up together,
and were thus enabled to pull the load with greater ease and
safety. Consecration means yoked service. Jesus says, "Take
My yoke upon you. . . . My yoke is easy, and My burden is
light." As we bow our heads to slip into the yoke of service,
we are assured that we have a yokefellow, our blessed Lord,
and that we are not working for God, but we.are working with
Him. Henceforth we do not go forth in service alone, but
under the yoke of fellowship with the great Burden Bearer.
In the days when oxen were more commonly used, it was
necessary for the young ox to be broken in, and for this
purpose he was always yoked with a steady-going veteran of
many years' service, who would set the pace, pulling steadily
and evenly, until the inexperienced creature gradually learned
to keep up his end of the yoke. So- it is that the Saviour
teaches us how to become true yoke bearers; and as we learn
the lesson, we find that truly His "yoke is easy" and His
"burden is light." Sometimes we are unwilling to be submissive under the yoke, and then the way seems rough and the
Consecration is yielding the whole life to the
pulling hard.
control of our great Yokefellow. A young lady once said that
instead of handing over the whole keyboard of her being to
Jesus, she had been trying to play one note herself—only one,
but that one note was enough to turn life's music into discord. But since she had learned to hand over the whole
3
keyboard to Christ, all discord had become heavenly music.
Just so we will never know the harmony of service until we
learn what it means to yoke with Christ and yield to His leading. We must be willing to "let go," and "let God."
The yoke does not mean bondage; consecration is not selfimmolation in spiritual slavery. The yoke of consecration
means deliverance from bondage, into glorious fellowship with
Christ. The story is told of a slave who, after bidding his
wife and two babes good-by, was led to the block to be sold.
His new master, after paying the price required, said to the
slave, "Sambo, I have bought you at a great price to set you
free." As the chains were removed from the captive's wrists,
Sambo fell on his knees and kissed his master's feet, saying,
"Massa,
be your slave forever." Jesus bought us at a
great price, and set us free from the bondage of sin. Do we
love Him enough to be His willing servants for life?
In the Bible we have many examples of consecration in the
lives of God's people. In Exodus 29 and Leviticus 8 we are
told that Aaron and his sons were to be wholly devoted to
the sacred duties of the tabernacle service, and that their
whole-hearted surrender was a fundamental condition of being
intrusted with such service. The experience of Abraham and
of his son Isaac, in meeting God's test on Mt. Moriah, teaches
us that in true consecration there can be no selfish reservation. And in Christ, our pattern, we have the most outstanding example of the meaning of consecration. "Christ brought
His desires and wishes into strict abeyance to His mission,—
the mission that bore the insignia of heaven. He made everything subordinate to the work He came to this world to
accomplish. . . . The same devotion, the same consecration,
the same subjection to the claims of the word of Gad, that
were manifest in Christ, must be seen in His servants."—
"Gospel Workers," p. 111. "In all things He brought His
wishes into strict abeyance to His mission. He glorified His
life by making everything in it subordinate to the will of His
Father."—M., p. 4$.
Deeper Consecration Demanded
The message- sent by the Lord to His people in these days
is very definite: "The times demand greater efficiency and
deeper eonseeration."—M, p. 114. It has become rather conventional for the members of the church to renew their consecration in varied ways,—hande are raised, or people rise to
their feet to pledge reconBeeration. And this is well, providing the heart has sincerely directed the act. But far too
often such public expression is but empty formality, an outward sign without full and complete consecration of every
part of the being. The story is told of an old Saxon warrior
who wished to unite with the church by baptism. But when
he was immersed he held up his right hand out of the water.
When he was expostulated with, and told that his whole body
must be buried, he replied that he wished to keep that hand
to himself for battle with his enemies. There are many people
who, in their consecration, reserve some part of their life for
their own particular control.
There may be a degree of consecration in the life, but the
need at this time is "deeper" consecration. The thought is
beautifully expressed in that prayer hymn which reads:
"In the blood from the cross
I have been washed from sin;
But to be free from dross
Still I would enter in.
"Deeper yet, deeper yet,
Into the crimson flood;
Deeper yet, deeper yet,
Under the precious blood."
"I have a message to bear," writes the messenger of the
Lord. "You must have an experience much deeper than you
have yet even thought of having. Many who are already
members of God's great family know little of what it means
to behold His glory, and to be changed from glory to glory.
Many of you have a twilight perception of Christ's excellence,
and your souls thrill with joy. You long for a fuller, deeper
sense of the Saviour's love. You are unsatisfied. But do not
despair. Give to Jesus the heart's best and holiest affections.
Treasure every ray of light. Cherish every desire of the soul
after God. Give yourselves the culture of- spiritual thoughts
4
THE CHURCH OFFICERS' GAZETTE
and holy communings. You have seen but the first rays of the
early dawn of His glory. As you follow on to know the Lord,
you will know that His going forth is prepared as the morning. 'The path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that
shineth more and more unto the perfect day.' Having repented of our sins, confessed them, and found pardon, we are to
c!ontinue to learn of Christ, until we come into the full noontide
of a perfect gospel faith."—"Testimonies," Vol. VIII, p. 318.
Through the portals of these wonderful statements of InSpiration we see a field of entirely new experience to many
Professing Christians. The time has fully come for the church
individually to pass on into this "deeper consecration," leaving the "twilight perception of Christ's excellence" for the
"full noontide of a perfect gospel faith."
, Many Christians are entering into this experience, and finding peace, rest, joy, and power in service, such as they had
long coveted but knew not how to obtain. In that well-known
book, entitled, "Deeper Experiences of Famous Christians,"
appear biographies of men and women who have sought and
found the secret of victory in complete consecration and
Service. The experience of Frances Ridley Havergal stands
out prominently from the rest, perhaps because of the familiarity with her consecration hymn,
"Take my life, and let it be,
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee."
The following reference to her remarkable experience is of
interest:
"Although Miss Havergal lived a very earnest Christian
fife, . . . she longed for a deeper, richer, fuller Christian
experience. . . . God did not leave her long in this state of
mind. He Himself had shown her that there were regions
beyond of blessed experience and service; had kindled in her
r oul the intense desire to go forward and possess them; and
now, in His own grace and love, He took her by the hand
and led her into the goodly land. . . . At last the long-lookedfor experience came, and it lifted her whole life into sunshine
and gladness, . . of which all she had previously experienced
was but as pale and passing April gleams compared with the
fullness of summer glory. . . . Her remaining years were the
richest of her life, richest in Christian experience, and richest
in service for her King. Wherever she went, her life was full
of service, and her words were winged with a new spiritual
power."
It was in connection with this remarkable experience that
she wrote her great consecration hymn. The story of its birth
is told in her own words: "I went for a little visit of five
days. There were ten persons in the house, some unconverted
and long prayed for; some converted, but not rejoicing ChrisMy prayer was, 'Lord, give me all in this house!'
tians.
.And He did. Before I left the house every one had entered
into a new experience. The last night of my visit I was too
happy to sleep, and passed most of the night in praise and
renewal of my consecration, and these little couplets formed
themselves and chimed in my heart one after another, till they
finished with, 'Ever, Only, All for Thee.'"
As to the practical working out of the experience of deeper
consecration in this particular case, we read: "She considered
every moment of her time as belonging to the Lord, and sought
'to use it to His glory.. . . She regarded every penny of her
money as belonging to Him. 'I forget sometimes,' says she,
'but as a rule I never spend a sixpence without the distinct
,feeling that it is His, and must be spent for Him only, even
if indirectly.' She did not feel free to spend her money for
costly array. She gave her jewelry for the missionary cause,
and dressed plainly but neatly. Her idea of the proper way
for a Christian to dress was so as not to attract attention by
either slovenliness or extravagance. .
Her time was occupied
with writing, giving Bible readings, and visiting the poor.
. . . She suffered much from poor health, and as the years
went on, her health was more and more broken. She literally
wore herself out ministering to others. When her friends
,sympathized with her sufferings in her last illness, she whispered, 'Never mind I It's home the faster. God's will is
delicious; He makes no mistakes.'"
Seventh-day Adventists, have been called on the stage of
action for the purpose of carrying the last message of mercy
December, 1932
to every kindred, tongue, and people, and the light of the
gospel of truth is to be reflected everywhere through the lives
of those who have /wholly consecrated themselves to the Lord
for His service. This is no time for self-seeking. Deeper
consecration means "none of self, and all of Thee." We have
been bought and set free from the bondage of Satan. Shall
we not in love and adoration yield ourselves as willing slaves
to our Master and Deliverer? Nothing less than this is worthy
the name of a Christian, and Christ is counting on our faithful
and loyal devotion.
In his book, "Quiet Talks on Service," Dr. S. D. Gordon
refers to a "supposed" scene, in which "the Master is walking
down the golden street, arm in arm with Gabriel, talking intently, earnestly. Gabriel is saying:
"'Master, you died for the whole world down there, did
you not?'
"'Yes.'
"'You must have suffered much,' with an earnest look into
that great face with its unremovable marks.
"'Yes,' again comes the answer in a wondrous voice, very
quiet, but extremely full of deepest feeling.
"'And do they all know about it?'
"'Oh, no! Only a few in Palestine know about it so far.'
"'Well, Master, what's your plan? What have you done
about telling the world that you died for, that you hone died
for them? What's your plaid"
asked Peter,
"'Well,' the Master is supposed to answer,
and James and John, and little Scotch Andrew, and some
more of them down there just to make it the business of their
lives to tell others, and the others aro to tell others, and the
others others, and yet others, and still others, until the last
man in the farthest circle has heard the story and has felt
the thrilling and the thralling power of it:
"And Gabriel knows us folk down here pretty well. He has
had more than one contact with the earth. He knows the kind
of stuff in us. And he is supposed to answer, with a sort of
hesitating reluctance, as though he could see difficulties in
the working of the plan, 'Yes—but--suppose Peter fails. Suppose after a while John simply does not tell others. Suppose
their descendants, their successors away off in the first edge
of the twentieth century, get so busy about things—some of
them proper enough, some may be not quite so proper—that
they do not tell others,—what then?'
"And his eyes are big with the intenseness of his thought,
for he is thinking of—the suffering, and he is thinking, too,
of the difference to the man who has not been told—'What
then?'
"And back comes that quiet, wondrous voice of Jesus,
'Gabriel, I haven't made any other plans—I'm counting on
them.'"
Can He count on us to enter into that "deeper consecration"
which the times demand? Are we willing to respond to the
call, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me," and to
present our "bodies a living sacrifice," which is but "reasonable service"? Surely we shall not disappoint our blessed
Master.
"There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, by putting
self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon
his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to! God."—"The
Desire of Ages," p. 250.
A Hint for Church Officers
Ir an elder or missionary leader goes to one of the members
and says to him, "I want you to take charge of this or that
branch of the church work and become responsible for its
development," the probabilities are nine to one in favor of
getting nothing done, or at least getting very little done in
a superficial way. The requirement is too big and bulky to
carry.
To think out the organization of any piece of congregational
enterprise is a kind of responsibility that particularly takes
time, and it cannot be done by turning off on the subject at
the tail end of a day with a mind already worn out. Moreover,
the very indefiniteness of the obligation, often vague and unmeasured, throws several tons' weight of itself on a tired brain.
(Concluded on page 6)
Vol. 19, No. 12
THE CHURCH OFFICERS' GAZETTE
The Church Missionary Service
PRAYER
REPORTS
PRESENTATION OF TOPIC
CLOSING
2 minutes
4 minutes
8 minutes
1 minute
O
Suggestive Missionary Service Program
December 3
Missionnv Tone: Help-the-Needy Week.
Tan: Job 29:15, 16.
SummsrioDie: The week of December 3 to 10 is dedicated
to special effort in behalf of the needy. Not that this is
the only week in the year when such worthy effort is to be
commended, but possibly a more appropriate title would be
"friendly visiting week," for it should be the time for searching out those in need,—finding out just what conditions exist
in the back streets and alleys of our city, or in hills and valleys
bordering our community. Job has left us a worthy example,
for he said, "I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I
knew not I searched out." With love in the heart and with a
prayer on the lips, go forth to make friendly calls in homes
where poverty and distress lurk within. You may be a stranger,
but there is no need of any better introduction than true Christian interest and sympathy. There is always some avenue of
friendly, tactful approach to the homes of the needy, when
one is willing to help lift the burdens of the oppressed, the
sick, and the disheartened. No richer or more blessed experience can come to any church member than to become a
friendly visitor and a sympathetic counselor, and to extend
a helping hand to the needy. This week, let all follow the
suggestion of the poet:
"Let us live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man."
And having "searched out" the need, the way for meeting that
need will surely be found, either through the Welfare Society,
the Dorcas Society, or through individual ministry. It would
be well for every band, leader to secure copies of Home Missionary Series No. 17, "A Lesson in Christian Service," and
place in the hands of band members. This leaflet costs but a
few cents, and it is a thrilling account of an experience in
helping a very needy case.
"Look all around you, find some one in need;
Help somebody today!
Though it be little—a neighborly deed,
Help somebody today!
"Many are waiting a kind loving word;
Help somebody today!
Thou hast a message, 0 let it be heard;
Help somebody today!
"Many have burdens too heavy to bear;
Help somebody today!
Grief is the portion of some everywhere;
Help somebody today!"
December 10
MISSIONARY TOPIC: Dorcas Society Report.
TENT: Matthew 25:40,
SUGGESTIONS: This should be a red-letter day in missionary
experience, for the Dorcas Society is carrying on a great work,
varied in character, and far-reaching in results. It is seldom
that opportunity is given to these noble workers to reveal to
the church at large the many ways in which they aro helping
those in distress, and also helping to maintain so many items
in local church expense. Every woman in the church should
be a member of the Dorcas Society, and it has been aptly
stated by Dr. F. A. Agar, in his book entitled, "Help Those
Women," that "if the average woman in the rank and file
of our women's organizations will put her personality and
prayer behind proper plans and methods, the world will soon
feel a new power. It will be the power of Christ in an awakened
and working church."
All leaders of Dorcas .societies are entitled to a quarterly
bulletin sent out from the office of the General Conference
Home Missionary Department, known as "The Dorcas Letter."
5
Those who are not receiving this bulletin should apply to their
conference home missionary secretary, asking that the necessary
arrangement be made. Many truly inspiring experiences are exchanged through this medium. The report of the Dorcas Society at Strathmore, California, has just come to hand, and it
is a sample of many letters. We quote from the letter as
follows:
"We have a very active society, which meets every Tuesday
afternoon, at the home of. a lady physician, who has long been
engaged in welfare work. The work of this doctor and of the
Dorcas Society has become so well known in town that unsolicited donations of clothing and money are constantly coming in from the women's clubs, stores, and private individuals.
The members of our Dorcas Society, accompanied by their
husbands, have gone to orchards and packing houses, where
fruit was going to waste, and have secured this fruit and
dried it. During the past year we supplied 1,500 pounds of
dried peaches to needy families and to Red Cross stations.
We have given away hundreds of articles of clothing, that had
been donated or that we made ourselves. Last winter we made
twenty-eight quilts, and gave them to families suffering on account of the cold weather."
December 17
MISSIONARY TOPIC: Soul-Winning Experiences.
TEXT: John 15:10, 11.
SuoonsTroxs: Reports of local missionary work take precedence in this service, and doubtless the time will be far too
brief for all the encouraging experiences to be related. By
referring to "Soul-Winning News From Soul Winners" (p.
6), leaders will find interesting items for use in this service,
if needed.
December 23
MISSIONARY Tome: Home Bible Study League Report.
TEXT: Isaiah 55:11.
SUGGESTIONS: In the November issue of the CHURCH
OFFICERS' GAZDYTE quite full and 'complete information was
given regarding the organization and work of the Home Bible
'Study League. This is an appropriate time for making report
concerning the progress of the work of the league. Have you
secured an ample list of names of persons to whom literature
is to be mailed each week? Have you arranged this list in
convenient form for permanent, accurate record of work done
week by week? Have you mailed your first letter of introduction from the league to your readers? Have any responses
been received? What is the next stage in the league's program
to receive attention? Do you need more helpers for the work
in hand? All these queries, and many more, will come under
consideration as the missionary band leader seeks to improve
the golden opportunity of this brief service. There is no more
effective channel of soul-winning work than is afforded by the
Home Bible Study League. Constantly there is being seen the
actual working out of the following statements of the Spirit
of prophecy: "Our publications are now sowing the gospel
seed, and are instrumental in bringing as many souls to Christ
as the preached word. Whole churches have been raised up
as the result of their circulation." And then is added this
striking sentence: "In theta work every disciple of Christ can
act a part."—"Christian Service," p. 146.
The letters which come to the league are wonderfully encouraging. Just as the fisherman sits on the bank and casts
his line into the river, and is thrilled when he feels the tug at
the other end of the line and knows that he is about to see
the tangible evidence of his contact beneath the surface of
the water, so the members of the Home Bible Study League
cast out their lines week by week into the great sea of humanity, and are thrilled by the letters which come in, of which
the following is but one sample:
"Mend Christian Friends of the
Rome Bible Study League:
"For weeks there has been coming regularly to my address
packages containing various papers, tracts, and leaflets, and I
must not delay any longer to asure you that I have read this
literature with a great deal of interest. For a long time I
have been praying to my heavenly Father that He would help
me to understand His word, and give me greater joy and peace
in my Christian life. He has answered my prayer through
THE CHURCH OFFICERS' GAZETTE
6
you, and although I do not understand just how it all came
about that you became interested in my case to the extent of
sending me free literature for the last six weeks, yet I- wish
to thank you with all my heart.
"I now see clearly the answer to many questions which have
bewildered me for years, and the Spirit of the Lord has spoken
to my heart and made me know that I am greatly beloved of
my heavenly Father and that His message of truth has been
sent in direct answer to my prayer. I am eager to read more,
and am determined to follow all the light which God sends
across my pathway. Inclosed find a small remittance to help
meet the expense involved in your good work. I think the
Home Bible Study League is a wonderful idea, and I rejoice
that the league found me, away out in the foothills of the
West, and has never once missed me in the weekly mailing of
literature. May God bless you, and make you a blessing to
the thousands of people who, like myself, are longing for an
understanding of God's word."
SOUL WINNING
FROM
SOUL WINNERS
Front Oklahoma.—A Seventh-day Adventist woman has lived
in one city in Oklahoma for a quarter of a century, and her
life has been a powerful witness for the truth. She ever stands
ready to help those in need, and her wide circle of neighbors
freely express the gratitude of their hearts for her kindness
and sympathy manifested in their hour of need. Many lives
have been drawn closer to the Saviour because of contact with
this devoted Christian.
While visiting a friend in the country, this sister found a
frail mother with three tiny children,—the youngest child,
who was sick, being carried in the mother's arms while she
attempted to do her housework. The family was in very
poor circumstances, and in need of many things, a mental
inventory of which was made by the visitor. It was not long,
after returning to her home, until she had secured groceries,
clothing, a baby carriage, and other things, to be sent on to
this family. The result is seen in fresh courage in the heart
of the mother, happy conditions in the home, and a regular
Bible study hour.
At another time this Seventh-day Adventist sister interested
herself in a boy whose parents had left him to drift for himself. She took this boy into her home, and provided him with
proper food and clothing. Then she invited him to go to
church with her, and he gladly accepted the invitation, explaining that it was the first time in his life that he had ever
gone to church. AS a result of attending the meetings, the
boy has given up smoking, and manifests a deep interest in
the truth.
A month's missionary report made by this sister, is as
follows:
20 Visits to the sick
30 Hours Christian help work
$5 Groceries given to the needy
30 Papers distributed
16 Bible studies
136 Meals provided to the destitute
From Nebraska.—Out in Nebraska lives a little lone woman
who is a Welfare Society, Dorcas Society, Bible worker, and
Christian help worker all in one. She is one of God's "isolated" jewels, keeping her light burning brightly, and is known
for miles around. A glimpse of her missionary life is furnished
through her own words, as follows: "Friends keep giving me
Supplies for my welfare work. One lady gave me four large
bundles, which I collected with a small 'express wagon.' She
Said all the things would have been burned if I had not come
after them: I have recently sent:nineteen boxes of clothing
to drouth-stricken families, and in every box of clothing I
place a supply of our literature. I receive many letters from
December, 1932
people who have become interested through reading this literature. One woman has become so interested that she has started
a Sabbath school in her own home, and has twenty-five in
attendance each week. Another woman wrote me that her ten
children were kept from freezing during the winter because
of a box of new underwear which I had secured from a storekeeper and sent on to her. She is also much interested in the
literature. Others who have received the literature write for
more, and indicate a deep interest. No one comes to my door
for help and is sent away empty handed, and no one comes
for any pupose and goes away without literature. Whenever
there is a wrap at the door, I recognize the oppotunity to converse with a precious soul for whom the Saviour died,-and to
scatter seeds of truth. Every day the Lord gives me contact
with souls, even when I do not have time to get outside my
home. In thirty-six hours I was able. to collect $130 Harvest
Ingathering. It's a happy work to be a soul winner for Jesus."
Front New Mexioo.—Suppose you had been confined in a
government hospital for sixteen years, because of an apparently incurable ailment. Would you become discouraged and
self- centered, and live within a little world devoted to your own
woes and cares? Or would you, as one of our brothers in such
a trying position has done, do all in your power to bring the
saving knowledge of truth to all those within the sphere of
your influence, bringing into the lives of the sick and disheartened the sweet, cheering sunshine of God's love?
Speaking of his experience during these many years of confinement, our brother says: "During my stay here. I have
ministered to the sick by reading the Bible to them, giving
them Bible studies, and praying with them. I have also sold
literature, and distributed much through the mail." In spite
of poor health, he participates in the Harvest Ingathering
and Big Week campaigns, and knows of one man who has
been won to the truth through Harvest Ingathering contact.
A fellow sufferer in the hospital, who was very much discouraged, was led to keep the Sabbath through reading literature placed in his hands by our brother. Another man in the
ward was dying, without God, but God's living witness reached
him in time to point him to the cross of Calvary and to lead
him to the Saviour. The dying man requested that his parents
in Finland be informed that he died trusting in Christ—a
saved man. Thus is the hard way made brighter for this
brother who devotes the little strength at his command to
smoothing the way for others less fortunate than he. In every
place the Lord has need of faithful witnesses, and many
blessed surprises await the redeemed in the kingdom of God,
when they "recognize those whose attention they have directed
to the uplifted Saviour. What blessed converse they will have
with these souls I 'I was a sinner,' it will be said, 'without
God and without hope in the world; and you came to me, and
drew my attention to the precious Saviour as my only hope.
And I believed in Him. I repented of my sins, and was made
to sit together with His saints in heavenly places in Christ
Jesus.'"—"Gospol Workers," p. 518.
faCc004)004=4).00Coc>4>ca0c:s<>c,oci)o0c>ocxx=0.00cx>000t
A Hint for Church Officers
(Concluded from page 4)
But let the elder or the missionary leader come to the member with a definite and ,sizable task,—something made up
into a bundle that a man can lift, a job to be finished and
over with, if possible at a given date,—and the probabilities
are ninety-nine to one that the member will carry it through
and do it well.
The way to make the 'fragments in a busy person's life count
for the church and the cause, is for its elder or missionary
leader carefully to cut out for him definite pieces of missionary
work, not too big for the person to take care of inside the
limits of those fragments.
Then the responsibility is on the elder and missionary leader
to put these pieces together in such fashion that all in all they
will make one big and complete blanket of church activity for
the whole community. This is a great responsibility, of course,
necessitating both patience and skill, but it is the elder's and
missionary leader's business, and they cannot afford to shirk it.
This is the essential secret, in a busy world with busy people,
of making a busy and a healthy ehureh.—Ernest Lloyd.
Vol. 19, No. 12
THE CHURCH OFFICERS' GAZETTE
7
THE MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER SOCIETY
Officers' Page
Senior Slogan: "All things through Christ."
Junior Slogan: "Something for Jesus every day."
The Christmas Spirit
The 1933 Morning Watch Calendar
(Read again the suggestions given for Thanksgiving and Christmas
on the Officers' Page of the November GAZETTE.)
WE have one of the most beautiful Morning Watch Calendars
for 1933 that has ever been printed. The texts and quotations
were selected by Mrs. Matilda Erickson-Andross, who was for
so many years associate secretary in the General Conference
Missionary Volunteer Department. Now Mrs, Andress is
leading the young people of the Inter-American Division. She
has taken time from a busy life to choose these texts for our
encouragement and progress in the Christian life during 1933.
Many are the testimonials that have come in the past that the
Morning Watch text always seems to suit the special needs
of the day, as though a Divine One guided those who made
up the little calendar And indeed even so do we pray as it
is being prepared and sent out to thousands of Seventh-day
Adventists. The cover this coming year is a beautiful lighthouse scene in three colors.
Others, too, appreciate the Morning Watch Calendar! Shall
we not get under the load and distribute thousands of them
this year? Other young people's workers are often delighted
to get it for their youth. Hotels are glad to have it placed
beside the Gideon Bibles. Y. M, C. A.'s welcome it. Many
testimonials could be cited, but we have space here for just
this one from the Y. M. C. A. of Washington, D, C.:
"We have had very pleasant responses from the use of the
Morning Watch Calendars. We instructed our maids, when we
first placed them in the rooms, to reclaim any that might be
found in the wastebaskets, but to our pleasant surprise we
have not found any discarded.
"We had a card attached to each calendar placed in a
Y. M. C. A. room, which read as follows:
"Y" Residents: Here is a Morning Watch Calendar which
we believe will be helpful in your daily devotions during a
year when we are so strongly confronted with the realities of
life. Please look it over carefully, and preserve this copy for
yourself or somebody else. Signed, Paul L. Brindle, Associate Business Secretary, Y. M. C. A., Washington, D. C.'
"We have used the remaining supply to place in the rooms
as they were reconditioned when the other calendars have been
carried away.
"A number of the boys made favorable comments about the
calendar, and in some cases have asked for additional ones to
mail to friends, Our supply has been exhausted for some time.
If we could procure about one hundred additional copies for
present replacements, it would be appreciated."
"Im [Christmas] can be made to serve a very good purpose.
. . . Let every one remember the claims of God. His cause
cannot go forward without your aid. Let the gifts you have
usually bestowed upon one another be placed in' the Lord's
treasury. . . . If all, both old and young, will forgo giving
presents to one another, and forgo the selfish outlay o€-means
in these coming holidays, there would be in heaven a most precious record of self-denial for Christ's sake. . . . Shall we not
have such a Christmas as Heaven can approve?"—Mrs. E. G.
White, Review and Herald, Dec. 9, 1884.
"Thousands of dollars will be worse than thrown away. upon
the coming Christmas and New Year's in needless indulgences.
But it is our privilege to depart from the customs and, practices of this degenerate age; and instead of expending means
merely for the gratification of the appetite, or for needless
ornaments or articles of clothing, we may make the coming
holidays an occasion in which to honor and glorify God.. .
"Let us seek to faithfully represent Christ on the coming
festal days by imitating His example as He went about doing
good. It is impossible to enjoy the approbation of God while
living for self."—Id., Deo. 11, 1879.
•
(See "Messages to Young People," pp. 311, 312.)
Annual Membership Enrollment '
IT is now the plan to renew the certificates of Missionary
Volunteer membership each year. The time to secure the
applications for membership it early in Deceniber. , This gives
opportunity for the society secretary to pass them to the
conference Missionary Volunteer secretary, and for the latter
to send the certificates of membership to the society in time
for the beginning of the year.
A good way is to devote a- part of the program to setting
forth the ideals of the Missionary Volunteer Pledge. (See
"Missionary Volunteers and Their Work," pp. 81-92.) Then
present the Application for Membership cards, and have them
filled out. Collect the cards, and after reviewing them in the
executive committee and approving, them, copy the list in the
Secretary's record book, and send the, approved applications to
the conference Missionary Volunteer secretary. (Those absent
from the society on this, day should- be visited by a society
officer, or given the first opportunity in a later meeting
to make application for membership.) The conference Missionary Volunteer secretary will fill out the certificates of
membership and mail them to the society secretary. He will
keep the applications for his file. When the certificates of
membership are received, they, should be signed by the society
secretary and presented to the members. (For suggestions on
receiving members into the society see "Missionary Volunteers and Their Work," pp. 136-138.)
, There are several kinds of membership,—Regular Senior
Membership, Associate Senior Memebership, Regular Junior
Membership, and Preparatory Junior Membership. These are
explained in "Missionary Volunteers and Their Work" and
the "Junior Missionary Volunteer Handbook." "Associate Senior
Membership" is a name which was adopted at the last general
meeting of the Missionary Volunteer Department to take the
place of "Preparatory Membership." It has the same meaning as given in "Missionary Volunteers and Their Work,"
pages 135, 136, for Preparatory Membership. Where there
is no Junior Missionary Volunteer Society, the Junior Missionary Volunteers may join the Senior Society, but receive
a Junior certificate of membership. The reports of the
Junior Missionary Volunteers should be recorded in the Junior
column of the society report blanks (M. V. Blank No. 2).
The Missionary Volunteer Society Meeting
Sr= golden minutes every week! What shall we dot
Make the members laugh, cry, study, recite; or just put them
to. sleep - It is worthy of study, isn't it/ Every Missionary
Volunteer officer should be interested in the way these precious hours are being spent. There is the program from the
GAZETTE, but that does not do it all. Each church has individual plans for missionary work.
What then, should be compassed in a society meeting?
1. There should be program material,—helpful, spiritual, inspiration, educational. But the formal presenting of a program should not take all the time.
2. There should be the adoption and explanation of missionary plans and the hearing of reports of missionary work.
3. There should be study and recitation. This may take
the form of a simple Bible Key Text drill, or it may be a
Standard of Attainment class.
4. There may be actual doing of missionary work, such as
the work of a literature and correspondence band.
5. Time should be given to the devotional and educational
secretaries to promote their special interests.
6. There should be good music, which may be considered a
part of the program as given above.
Suppose, then, we summarize these ideas into two outlines
Missionary Volunteer Banners
of society meetings adaptable to local conditions.
I. Societies with limited time for the meeting of bands.
EVERY Missionary Volunteer Sheiety should own a set of
these beautiful banners,—our Aim, Motto, and Pledge for the Opening Exercises
5 minutes
Senior Society, and our Pledge and Law for the Juniors. Program
20 minutes
They will be an inspiration, hung before your young people Missionary plans and reports, or promotion of
from week to week. The banners come in felt, a beautiful
devotional and educational features
10 minutes
dark-green background, with sewed-on Old English letters in Standard of Attainment class or work of bands,—
Literature and Correspondence
gold with brown shading. Gold fringe and harmonizing rods
25 minutes
II. Societies with ample time for all activities. (Bands
and tassels make them artistic indeed. Senior sets of three:
Aim, Motto, and Pledge, $12. (Approximate sizes: Aim meeting for at least 30 minutes before or after meeting.)
and Motto, each 16 x 26 inches; Pledge, 25 x 42 inches.) Jun- Opening exercises, leader's remarks, Key Text drill 10 minutes
ior set of two: Pledge and Law, $10. (Appoximate sizes: Program
35 minutes
each, 22 x 33 inches.) Order direct from the United States Missionary plans and reports
10 minutes
Poster Company, 330 H Street, Northeast, Washington, D. C. Devotional and educational promotion
5 minutes
W. P BRADLEY.
Reread suggestions to outgoink -Officers,- hi November "Gazette," page 7.
8
THE CHURCH OFFICERS' GAZETTE
mentor ililiOtonarp Volunteer
Oleeting5
Living Hymns
(Program for Week finding December 3)
UV GEORGE W. GREER
[NOTES TO LEADERS: This program should be characterized
by a buoyant, cheerful atmosphere of praise and joy and
devotion. The hymn, No. 331 or 231 in "Christ in Song,"
will touch the keynote of the hour. Study carefully the chapter in "Education" entitled, "Poetry and Song," and you will
have no lack of enthusiasm in promoting and directing this
program. Sing several of the uplifting and inspiring hymns;
relate incidents regarding several hymns during the song
service; vary your hour by singing a spirited stanza or two
to illustrate a point.
If more help is desired, consult one or more of the following
books in the public library: "The Story of the Hymns and
Times," by Brown and Butterworth; "More Hymn Stories,"
by Price; "Sankey's Story of the Gospel Hymns."
!Most of the hymns mentioned are found in "Christ in Song."
In giving credit, remember that the name at the left of the
hymn indicates the author of the words; and at the right, the
composer of the music.
Poems: "Singing for Jesus," p. 102; "The Song in Your
Life," p. 98, in "Choice Poems."
Symposizent: "Benefits of Singing." List on blackboard the
facts noted in each reference: "Ministry of Healing," p. 52,
par. 1, last part, and p. 254; "Patriarchs and Prophets," p.
643, par. 1, last part; "Education," p. 164; "Testimonies,"
Vol. V, p. 493, sentence beginning, "The melody of song;"
"Messages," pp. 291-296.
This work lies close to my heart, and I pray that the spirit
of God will fill in the lacking inspiration, and that there may
be an increase in interest in this powerful means of soul winning.
Studies in Christian Living: Consecration
'Prov. 23:26. What invitation does God extend to all?
Romans 12:1. How completely does God desire us to consecrate ourselves to Him?
Deut. 10:12; Matt. 20:27, 28. What kind of service will
such surrender lead the Christian to render to God?
2 Cor. 10:4, 5. How will our thoughts be affected?
1 Cor. 10:31. What principle will control the life that is
fully consecrated to God?
Matt. 19:29. What promise is made to those who in this life
niake a full surrender to God?
Memory Gem: "H,e who presents to men infinite riches, and
an eternal life of blessedness in His kingdom as the reward of
faithful obedience, will not accept a divided heart."—"Testimonies," Vol. III, p. 403.
C. LESTER BOND.
December, 1932
honor." And again: "Music is one of the fairest and most
glorious gifts of God, to which Satan is a bitter enemy, for
it removes from the heart the weight of sorrow, and the fascination of evil thoughts." And quoting from Peter Lutkin:
"Martin Luther made an incomparable contribution to Prates,
taut church music when he zealously developed singing in thevernacular among his followers. In their nobility, dignity, and
practicability these fine tunes remain the best congregrational
tunes we have from this period."
In the doctrinal and didactic period of English hymnology
beginning in 1650 and ending in 1780, religious wars and
controversies made it a time of intensity which brought forth
our greatest hymn writers: Isaac Watts, Charles Wesley, and
Augustus Montague Toplady. These men of God, fired with
zeal and enthusiasm, produced under divine guidance hymns
that are immortal. "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,"
by Watts, is considered by many the finest in the English
language. One of the best selected from the more than six
thousand hymns by Wesley is "Jesus, Lover of My Soul."
Who can decide but that Toplady's "Rock of Ages" is as great
as these?
The period of evangelism and the growth of missions, extending to 1850, is reflected in the hymns of this period. Five
outstanding writers only are noted here. Henry Francis Lyte
gave us the wonderful hymns, "Abide With Me" and "Jesus,
I My Cross Have Taken." Horatius Boner wrote "I Lay My
Sins on Jesus" and "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say." Sarah
Plower Adams gave us the familiar "Nearer, My God, to
Thee;" Reginald Heber, "From Greenland's Icy Mountains"
and "Holy, Holy, Holy!" and Charlotte Elliott, "Just As
I Am."
The period in which we live has produced little of lasting
value to add to the wealth of great hymns of yesterday. There
is a drift toward the modernistic and cheap. Lot us uphold
the dignity of the praise of God in song, as we read in "Educe.:
tion," page 168: "Heaven's communion begins on earth. We
learn here the keynote of its praise."
Talk: The Test
BLACKBOARD QUOTATION: "Music was made to serve a holy
purpose, to lift the thoughts to that which is pure, noble, and
elevating, and to awaken in the soul devotion and gratitude to
God."—"Patriarchs and Prophets," p. 594.
MR. SPAFFORD had been 'a successful lawyer for many years,
as well as a sincere member of the Presbyterian Church, but
he lost heavily on the financial panic of 1873. Wishing to
relieve his wife of all strain, he sent her with their children
to Europe. Mrs. Spofford and her four daughters took passage
on the ill-fated French steamship which collided with a large
Glasgow sailing vessel, and in twelve minutes the liner went
Talk: Hymns Yesterday and Today
down with two hundred fifty souls aboard, among whom was
"SACRED song," says Reverend Breed, "seems to be the the Spafford family, but the mother floated and was rescued.
instinctive utterance of the human soul." Devotion to sacred Ten days later she was landed at Cardiff, Wales, and from
song prevailed among all the cultivated nations of antiquity. there Mrs. Spafford sent a message to her husband: "Saved
Moses received a training and culture in this connection with alone." This message of tragedy was the first notice Mn
the singing which formed the largest part of the Egyptian Spafford had that his family was not well and happy as he
ritual, which doubtless in the providence of God stimulated had recently left them. But in his deep and unutterable
his poetical genius that later was consecrated to the worship sorrow, he counted his blessings and wrote the beautifid
of the true God. Israel had safely crossed the Red Sea when hymn, "It Is Well• With My Soul."
Moses and Miriam sang a song of thanksgiving, to which critics
With its appropriate musical setting by Bliss, this hymn
and scholars of today have united in giving unqualified praise. of resignation and trust has brought courage and hope to the
(See Exodus 15.) From this time forward Hebrew song is hearts of many. One Sunday evening when this song vi as
distinguished from that of all other nations in that it was used, the story of its birth was told. In the audience was a
employed almost exclusively in the worship of Jehovah, and business man who had lost heavily in the panic of 1899 and had
thus attained a rank incomparably beyond that of all other become discouraged. He exclaimed, "If Spafford could write
such a beautiful hymn of resignation when he bad lost all of
P eople.
Picture the magnificent service of song as developed by his children and everything else save his wife and character,
David and continued under Solomon, when some four thousand I ought surely to be thankful that my losses have been so
musicians took part (1 Chron. 23:5), and much training was light."
given by such leaders as Asaph and Chenaniah (1 Chron. 15:
"The praise of Almighty God is precisely the highest func17, 22, 27; 25) in the art of chanting, especially in their tion in which human beings may participate. For this reason
antiphonal, or responsive singing.
hymns should conform to our highest ideals of religious poetry
Luther accomplished a mighty work through his promotion and the music should worthily enhance and animate the spirit
of singing by the common people. It is a question, humanly of the hymn."—Thalcfia.
speaking, whether the work of the Reformation could have been
A true hymn must possess certain indispensable qualities:
accomplished in Germany without this medium. Luther said, Scriptural both in sentiment and expression; devotional, includ"Next to theology I give to music the highest place and ing profound reverence and liturgical propriety; lyrical, or
Preserve November and December "Gazettes," Officers' Pages, for 1933 leaders.
Vol. 19, No. 12
THE CHURCH OFFICERS' GAZETTE
improved by being set to' music. As a result of many extensive
attenipts to discover the best and most widely used hymns,
a few of the truly fine and permanent are listed, in addition
to those mentioned before: "Sun of My Soul," "Hark the
Herald Angels Sing," "Jerusalem, My Happy Home," "How
Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds," "All Hail the Power of
Jesus' Name," "Lo, He Comes," "0 Worship the King." It
is said that the average life of a hymn before it is permanently
placed in a hymnal is forty years, Hymns that might be suitable for Sabbath school or Missionary Volunteer meeting might
not be as appropriate for the formal worship of the church
service.
"Explain it as you may, a martial strain will urge a man
into the front rank of battle sooner than an argument, and
a fine anthem excite his devotion more certainly than a logical
discourse."—Thekerman,
Revival meetings were being held in a small Southern town.
Having heard of the good singing, a prominent man, not a
Christian, attended the meeting one evening merely to hear
a few songs. He stayed long enough to hear only one song,
"Only one step to Jesus! Then why not take it now?" The
words kept ringing in his, ears, until they awakened in his
heart a desire to 'give himself to the Saviour for service. It
Was not the sermon, for he never heard the sermon; it was
the song that'did the work in his heart.
Missionary Volunteer Pledge
(Program for Week Finding December 17)
,
BY H. J. SHELDON
NOTES TO LEADERS: Today we wish to bring again before the
young people the significance, the importance, the privilege,
and the responsibility of the young people in this last gospel
message. The Missionary Volunteer Pledge is a pledge unlike
any other in all the world; no other young people's organization has the same objectives as has the Missionary Volunteer.
We believe that it calls to the noblest purpose and to the most
earnest service possible to any young people who have ever
lived upon the earth. The motive power is the love of Christ.
The promise is in His name and strength, and the young people
join the whole church in this mighty movement for the finishing of the work of God. Those taking part should emphasize
the privilege and the opportunities involved in the keeping of
the pledge. Early in the meeting let all join in repeating
the pledge from memory, or in reading it from the ba'nner if
one is before the congregation. Take the pledge again at the
close.
Seripture Searing: Jeremiah 31:3; John 15:13; 1 John 4:
10; 1 Peter 1:8; Hosea 11:4; Ephesians 3:19; 1 John 4:19.
Songs: Nos. 112, 34, 64, 151, in "Gospel in Song."
Poems: See "Choice Poems," pp. 73, 106, 113.
Much valuable material may be found in "Missionary Volunteers and Their Work," pp. 83-92. For inspiration read "Lives
of Great Men" and "The Life Work" in "Education."
Studies in Christian Living: Christian Service
Matt. 21:28. As represented in the parable, what does God
admonish each of His children to do?
Mark 13:34. How many have been given a definite assignment of work?
John 20:21; 1 Cor. 3:9. With whom are we associated in
service?
Luke 19:10; Acts 10:38; James 1:27. What kind of work
did Jesus do that we are to engage in with Him?
2 Tim. 2:2. What is one method of service that we are
to engage in for the Master?
Ps. 51:7-13. What must be the experience in the life before
effective soul-winning work can be done?
Eccl. 9:10. How earnestly should we enter into service for
God?
Memory Gem: "Every youth, every child, has a work to do
for the honor of God and the uplifting of hunianity."—"EchfertC. LESTER. BOND.
iron," p. 58.
Talk: The Motive--Love
Lova is the greatest power in the universe. Love is divine,
for God is love. "Every manifestation of creative power is
an expression of infinite love. . . . The history of the great
conflict between good and evil, from the time it first began in
heaven to the final overthrow of rebellion and the total eradication of ain, is also a demonstration of God's unchanging love."
—"Patriarchs and Prophets," p. 33.
This conflict has resulted in the supreme demonstration of
Annual
9
love in God's gift of His Son, and,in Jesus' giving of Himself
as our substitute. Then how can we but love Him; and loving
Him, how can we but follow His exaMple? "We love Him,
because He first loved us." (Read "Steps to Christ," pp.
63, 64.)
Talk: I Promise
essential part of our pledge is the definite promise of
performance of the obligations undertaken, and it is well for
us frequently to consider anew the privileges and responsibilities that belong to us as Missionary Volunteers. How have
I kept my pledge during this year? Consecration is a daily
matter. Each morning we are to consecrate ourselves to God
for that, day, thus pledging our loyalty to His plans for us
and to the work He has for us to do. Have I been faithful
in every duty and in meeting my obligations to God and my
fellow men? Rave I cheerfully taken any part expected of
me in the work of the M. V. Society? Or have I offered excuses and pleaded impossibility of performance of known
duty? Have 1 done what I could to help others? Or have I
been too busy or felt too incompetent, and thus left to some
one else the opportunity and the attendant blessing?
Have I by word and act and life and sacrifice contributed
my utmost to the finishing of the gospel work? Or have I
withheld a portion of service or sacrifice while others thought
I was giving my best? God knows, and He will let me know
if I will listen to the still small voice.
If we prove faithful to our pledge, some soul in darkness
will receive the light, and some soul uiay be saved who might
have been lost had we proved unfaithful. Have you thought
what it would mean to you and to all the world if Jesus would
fail to keep His pledge? The hopes of all are placed upon His
promises, the failure of any one of which as yet unfulfilled
would mean ruin to the hopes of Adam's race.' But "He is
faithful that promised."
So let us be true to our promise that we may with Paul be
able to say, "I have kept the faith," and receive the crown
of righteousness reserved for all them that love His appearing.
THE
Tdlk: Finishing the Work
"To finish the work of the gospel in all the world." (See
Rev. 10:7.) God has said through the prophet, the gospel
shall be finished, the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached.
There is no uncertainty, no doubt about it. God has said it,
and it shall be done. The great conflict which has been going
on for thousands of years, is about to be ended. The time
has come to which have looked all God's faithful children, from
'sinning and repentant Adam to the end of the world. The
hopes of all the patriarchs and the prophets from Enoch to
our own day, are to be realized in the glorious triumph of the
hosts of God.
In our day, in this generation! What a stirring, what a
thrilling, but what a sobering thought! We have an individual
part in bringing the hope of all the ages to this consummation
in our day—the day to which Daniel looked and of which
Paul, Peter, John, and others by revelation wrote. The young
people of this day are the most privileged young people of
any time in the history of the church. Before the youth of
this advent message God has set an aim worthy of their
endeavor. (Read "Testimonies," Vol. V, p. 526, par. 1; p.
527, par. 2.)
The Meaning of Christmas
(Program for Week Ending December f4)
BY MINNIE E. DAUPHINEE
NOTES TO LEADERS: In this festive season the Christian
world generally is preparing to celebrate December 25 as the
birthday of Christ. Neither the Bible nor history gives us
any assurance that Jesus was born in December. (See "Why
We Celebrate Christmas," p. 14, and "The Christmas Spirit,"
Officers' Page.) It is not essential to our salvation that we
know the day of His birth, but it is essential that we know
Him as our personal Saviour. As we study briefly His life,
may we surrender our hearts and lives anew for His service.
Scripture: Luke 2:7-20, memorized and given impressively.
Music: Carols; "Joy to the World," No. 279, in "Gospel in
Song."
ottering—December
17.
THE CHURCH OFFICERS' GAZETTE
10
Frage Offering: Read Ps. 50:23. In five minutes many can
take part.
Offertory: "He Did Not Die in Vain," No. 63, in "Christ in
Song." (The wise men brought their gifts to Jesus, not to
Joseph or Mary.)
Talk: "Keeping Christmas," p. 12.
Studies in Christian Living: Stewardship
1 Cor. 4:2. What kind of stewardship does God expect?
Lev. 27:30. Of the money which God intrusts to us, what
portion does He claim as His own?
Mal. 3:8. In addition to the tithe in what does God say His
stewards have been unfaithful?
ital. 3:10, 11. What promise is given to those who are
faithful in their financial trusts?
Luke 16:10. What principle was set forth by the Saviour
that should be constantly kept in mind by the Christian?
2 Cor. 9:6, 7. As we make our gifts to the cause of God,
what fact should we remember?
Ps. 50:5. What will be taken into account when God
gathers the redeemed of earth?
Memory Gem: "God reserved to Himself a specified portion of man's time and of his means, and no man could, without
guilt, appropriate either for his own interests."—"Messages,"
C. LESTER BOND.
p. 805.
Symposium: The Old, Old Story
December, 1932
But hush! the tale grows sadder; I'll tell it—if I can. This
gentle, holy Jesus, without a spot or stain, by wicked hands
was taken, and crucified and slain! Lookl Look! if you can
bear it—look at your dying Lord! Stand near the cross and
watch Him; 'Behold the Lamb of God l' His hands and feet
are pierced, He cannot hide His face; and cruel men stand
staring in crowds about the place. They laugh at Him and
mock Him; they tell Him to 'come down,' and leave that cross
of suffering, and change it for a crown.
"Why did He bear their mocking? Was He 'the mighty God,'
and could He have destroyed them with one almighty word/
Yes, Jesus could have done it; but let me tell you why He would
not use His power, but chose to stay and die. He had become
our surety; and what we could not pay, He paid instead and
for us on that one dreadful day. For you and me He suffered;
'twos 'for our sins He died; and not for our sins only, but all
the world's beside. And now the work is finished! the sinner's
debt is paid, because on 'Christ the Righteous' the sin of all
was laid. 0 wonderful redemption! God's remedy for sin!
The door of heaven is open, and you may enter in; for God
released our 'Surety' to show the work was done, and Jesus'
resurrection declared the victory won."
Sixth Speaker: THE STORY FINISHED.
"And now He has ascended, and sits upon the throne, 'to be
a Prince and Saviour,' and claim us for His own. But when
He left His people,- He'promised them to send the Comforter
to teach them and guide them to the end. And that same Holy
Spirit is with us to this day, and ready now to teach us the
'new and living way/ This is the old,,old story. Say, do you
take it in—this wonderful redemption, God's remedy for sin/
Do you at heart believe it? Do you believe it's true? And
?neant for every sinner, and therefore meant for you? Believe,
and you receive it! Believe, and you shall live! And if this
simple message has now brought peace to you, snake known the
(Seniors. not Juniors, should present this. Each should memorise his part. The last five,speakers should be seated on the rostrum, If possible. The first one should face the other five when
singing,
-then take hib seat where the others face him as well es
the audience when they speak.)
First Speaker: THE STORY-WANTED.
(Earnestly sing, "Tell Me the Old, Old Story.")
cold, old story,' for others need it too."
&dont/ Speaker: THE Smoky TOLD.
"Yeti ask me for 'the story of unseen things above, of Jesus
Reading: The Picture on the Wall
and His glory, of Jesus and His love.' You want the 'old, old
story,' and nothing else will do; indeed, I cannot wonder—it
Nom a fine work of art; but the picture told the story and
always seems-so new I I often wish that some one would tell it told it well. For the background a rough stone wall, above it
me each day; I never should get tired of what they had to say.
But I am wasting moments! Oh, how shall I begin to tell a leaden sky; in the foreground a pale, sad-eyed, weary-looking
'the old, old story,' how Jesus saves from sin? Listen, and I girl had fallen on a stone bench and in her arms she held a
will begin it; God help both you and me, and 'make, 'the old, sick' boy, a white band around his forehead just above the
old, story' His message unto thee!
sunken, faded eyes. In front of them the Christ stood, the
"Once in a pleasant garden God placed a happy pair; and patient, ever-suffering, ever-loving Christ; and His hand, not
all within was peaceful, and all around was fair. Alas! they
disobeyed Him! the one thing He denied they longed for, took yet pierced, rested upon the head of the sick boy; and His
and ate it, and—they died! Yet, in His love and pity, at once eyes, so tender, so loving, so true, caught the upturned eyes of
the. Lord declared how man, though lost and ruined, might after the lad where the light was beginning to come back.
I
all be spared, for one of Eve's descendants, not sinful like the
The picture hung in a hospital on the, bare, ,whi °washed
rest, should spoil the work of Satan, and man be saved and
blessed. He should be son of Adam, but Son of God as well, Walls. On a bed opposite the picture, tossing in delirium was
a rough boy of the slums. He knew nothing of what the word
and bring a full salvation from sin, and death, mid hell.
"Hundreds of years were over; Adam and Eva had died, the "father" meant; and when the fever came, the blue-coated
following, generation, and many more beside. At last some policeman found him alone in, the straw on the damp floor
shepherds watching beside their flocks at night were startled in of his cellar. They brought him here, and hands soft and
the darkness by strange and heavenly light. One of the holy
angels had come from heaven above to tell the true, true story delicate ministered to him.
He grew better; the doctor said he would pull through. One
of Jesus and His love. He came to bring glad tidings: 'You
need not, must not fear, for Christ, your newborn Saviour, lies morning the nurse came, and pulling up the blind let the light
in the village near!' And many other, angels took up the story fall upon his face. She said, "Shall I read to you?"
then: 'To God on high be glory; good will and peace to men.'
"No," said the boy, and his eyes sought the picture. "No,
"And was it true, that story? They went at once to see, and
found Him in a. manger—they knew that it was Re. He, tell me about that picture; who is he?"
whom the rather promised so many ages past, had come to save
"He is the Christ," she said, and then with a prayer in her
poor sinners; yes, Ho had come at last! 'Twas His delight to heart she told the story of His life to the boy, and as--she
do it, to seek and save the lost, although He knew beforehand, closed she said, "Do you believe in Hirai"
knew all that it would cost. He lived a life most holy, His
"I believe in you," said the boy, and the next morning he
every thought was love, and every action showed it to men, and
God above. His path in life was lowly—Re was a working- said to the nurse, "Tell me more about Him." How glad the
man. Who knows the poor man's trials so well as Jesus can?" sad-eyed nurse was to tell him. Her life had been one of trial,
Third Speaker: Tan Rxrpism or JEsus.
but the Christ's voice had brought a calm to the troubled waters
(Select from "The Desire of Ages" the most important sen- of her life. As she told the old, old story the boy said:
ttences on the pages 110, par. 1, to 112, "in whom I am well "You know Him, don't you?"
'pleased.")
"Yes," she said, "thank God, I do."
Fourth Speaker: THE MOUNT OF Tempflyermr.
"And He loves boys?"
(Repeat Matthew 4:1-11. Read "The Desire of Ages," p.
"He loves everybody."
131; par. 1.)
"Rough boys like me?"
Fifth Speaker: His LAST THREE bans._
"Everybody."
"His last three years were lovely! He could no more be hid,
And so, day by day, she talked of Him, and at last there
and time and strength would fail me to tell the good He did. came a time when she said again: "Do you believe in Him?"
He gave away no money, for He had none to give; but He had
And he said, "I believe."
the power of healing, and He made the dead to live. He did
The boy went from the hospital carrying next his heart a
kind things so kindly; it was His heart's delight to make poor
people happy from morning until night. He always seemed at small Bible, and in his heart the Christ.
leisure for every one who came—however tired or busy, they
.
found Rim just the same. He heard each tale of sorrow with
As the years rolled on, the nurse thought often of the boy,
an attentive ear, and took away each burden of suffering, sin,
or fear, „He was a 'man of sorrows,' and when He gave relief, but she heard nothing of him. When gray-haired and bent
He gave it like a brother acquainted well with grief.
with age, she fell in the harness, and they brought her, at her
"Such was 'the man Christ Jesus'! the Friend of sinful man! request, to the bed opposite the picture of the Christ and the
"Missionary Volunteers and Their Work" is the Senior manual.
VOL 19, No. 12
THE CHURCH OFFICERS' GAZETTE
child. Many came to see her; old men and women she had
nursed back to life, children, and white-capped nurses, for her
life had blessed them.
The gray light of a newborn day stole through the window;
all was still in that quiet ward; around the bed, with teardimmed eyes, stood the nurses, for she was dying. A young
clergyMan from the next ward had been called in; he looked
upon the face on the pillow, then his eyes sought the picture.
As he fell upon his knees he said: "Thank God." The eyes of
the dying sought his. "Who are you?" she asked.
How her face shone as he said, "I am the boy to whom you
told the story of the picture. I am now a minister."
"Lift me, so I may again see the picture."
His strong right arm lifted her up, and• together their eyes
sought the picture. The first ray of the rising sun fell upon
the face of the Christ, and when he gently lowered the dead
face to the pillow.e knew that she would,some day see "Jesus
`face to face."—A. W. Hawks, Adapted.
Meditation in the Life of: a-Christian
(Program for Week Ending Deoember 31)
None TO LEADERS: The purpose of this program is to im
press Missionary Volunteers with the importance of the quiet
time in their lives. We are not fountains, but vessels, which
implies that we need to be filled and refilled. The greater the
piece of work to be done, the more need for preparation of soul.
We find Jesus "rising up a great while before day" to commune
with the Father. How is it with us? Are the !Ms), days preceded by preparation? If they are not, 'we are neglecting the
most important thing.
A nervous clergyman was preparing's Sermon in his study
one evening. He had forgotten to lock the door. The knob
turned, and in the doorway appeared. his three-year-old, son.
"What do you want?" asked the clergyman, almost impatiently.
"Nothing, papa." "Then why did you,.come in here?" "Just
because II wanted to be with you,"' ansivered the child as he
flung himself into his father's arms. Shall we not during 1933
come into the presence of God and wait before Him, just for
the joy and restfulness of being with Him?
Pass out Morning Watch Calendars. If your society is divided into prayer bands, 'it would be well if the weekly studies
were based on the Morning Watch texts: 'Discuss' them and
make them a part of your lives. An old Korean man walked
a hundred miles to recite some Scripture verses to the missionary. Without `an error he recited the sermon on `the mount.
The missionary told him that if he knew it only by- word it
would be a feat of memory and nothing more; but he must
practice it. The old man's face lighted up as he replied
promptly, "Oh,, sir, that's the way I learned it. It wouldn't
stick, so I hit on this plan: I memorized a verse, then practiced it on a neighbor. Then it stuck in my memory,"
Scripture Beading: John 15:26 to 16:14.
Talk: "Listening In." See p. 15.
Talk: "Is Meditation Necessary?" p. 15.
Studies in Christian Living: Daily Christian Living
Titus 2:7. In how many things does God expect Christians to
live exemplary lives?
Heb. 13:18; Rom. 12:17. In all our dealings with others
what should we be careful to do?
James 1:4. How should the Christian guard his temper?
2 Thess. 3:10. What is said of those who are shiftless?
John 6:12. The true Christian will always guard against
extravagance and waste. He will practice the strictest economy.
1 Peter 4:9, 10. What admonition is given in regard to our
association with others?
Prov. 4:14, 15; 1:10, 15; 2:20. The Christian will be careful
in the choosing of his friends.
1 Peter 3:8; 1 Cor. 13:4, 5. Courtesy and kindness will always be exemplified in the life of the Christian.
Fleb. 12:28; Bed. 5:1. What is said regarding the Christian's conduct while in the house of God?
Memory Gent: "The religion of Christ will be exemplified by
its possessor in the life, in the conversation, in the works."—
"Testimonies," Vol. II, p. 501.
O. LESTER BOND.
Talk: The Holy Spirit
11
Spirit of truth, the Spirit of grace, the Spirit of promise, and
by other titles. Perhaps the' most beautiful name given is that
of the Comforter. And it is under this name that Christ promised the Holy Spirit to His disciples. John 14:26.
The Master declared that it was necessary for Him to go'
`away in order that the Comforter might come. This Comforter
would do for the disciples what Christ Himself could not do.
So long as Christ was in the world the minds of His followers
Would be fixed upon His bodily presence. He could be with
them only in one place at a time. But the Comforter could be
with His children everywhere. He could enter into a closer and
more intimate relationship with them than Christ in His personal presence could ever do. "The Desire of Ages," p. 669.
As Christ was removed from the earth, the minds of His
church were directed to His divine representative, and they were
led to take hold of the power and help which He could give.
The Comforter was not to speak of Himself. That is the reason
that we know so little, comparatively, about the Holy Spirit.
On the other hand, He was to represent Christ to the world,
even as Christ came not to represent Himself, but the Father.
John 14:16, 26.
CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE.—The conditions upon which the
Holy Spirit will come to the disciple and abide with him ate
simple. First, He comes as a reprover of sin. He points out
the things in the life which are not in harmony with Christ and
His divine word. John 16:8, 9. When this sin is repented of,
then the promise is that the gift of the Holy Spirit will be
bestowed. Acts 2:38.
In seeking for the Holy Spirit one must be actuated by pure
and right motives. He cannot obtain this blessing for selfish
ends, to be used as he pleases. Simon the sorcerer sought the
Holy Spirit in this way, and was faithfully reproved by the
apostle Peter.- Acts 8:20. When God gives the gift of the
Holy Spirit, it is that the Spirit may use us. Therefore, it is
only by humble submission to the way and will of God that
the gift will be bestowed. Acts 5:32.
THE MANNER IN WHICH TAE SPIRIT SPEAKS TO US.-1. The
Spirit speaks through the word. The Spirit and the word
agree. 1 John 5:7. The Scriptures were given by the Holy
Spirit speaking through holy men. 2 Peter 1:21; 1 Peter 1:1012. Thus there is complete harmony between the Spirit and the
word. As we study that word the promise is that the Spirit
shall lead us into all truth. John 16:13.
2. The Spirit speaks directly to our hearts. It was in this
way that the Lord spoke to Samuel (1 Sam. 9:15, 16), to Philip
(Acts 8:29), to Peter (Acts 10:19), and to Paul (Acts 18:5).
In this manner the Spirit spoke to Elijah. 1 Kings 19:11, 12.
And so if we would hear His voice today, we must take time
for prayer and time for meditation. We must shut out of our
hearts the many things of the world which crowd in and shut
out God. In seeking this communion it is preferable that we go
to some quiet, secluded place, to our own private room; but if
unable to do this, we may find sanctuary with God even in the
midst of the multitude.
3. The Spirit speaks to us through others. The Master sends
messages of instruction, possibly of correction for our sins, of
admonition, of encouragement. Acts 11:28. We need to cultivate that attitude of mind which will place us always in a receptive mood toward the help the Spirit seeks to give. The
message may come through a sermon, it may come in personal
conference with others, it may come from friends, from parents, in our Sabbath school class, even from enemies. Let us
seek to determine wherein the instruction is needed in our lives
and be quick to respond to the message.
GRIEVE NOT mut SPIRIT OF Goo.—The apostle Paul exhorts
us to "grieve not the Holy Spirit of God." (See Eph. 4:30-32;
5:1-4.) And the context indicates the manner in which we may
grieve away this heavenly guest,—by anger, by malice, by trifling
conversation, by any course of conduct that leads us to forget
God and go contrary to the requirements of His Holy Word.
Continued grieiring of the Spirit -will finally quench the Spirit,
and the apostle exhorts us to "quench not the Spirit." 1 Thess.
5:19. Every failure to heed His counsel hardens our hearts and
puts us in a position where we shall be unable clearly to discern His voice. Let us walk so humbly before God, and be so
obedient to His word, that the Spirit may guide us continually.
Fiterrdis MaiEtaa WILCOX.
Hrs DIVINE MINISTRY.—The Holy Spirit is set forth in the
Scriptures as the third person of the Godhead. He is represented as the great regenerating power in the work of human
redemption. He is called in the Bible the good Spirit, the
If Week of Prayer occupies program hour, present Clu4stmas program Saturday night.
THE CHURCH OFFICERS' GAZETTE
12
Jiuntor
!;
itistonarp Volunteer
ineettngo
The Message of Our Music
The Music of Our Message
(Program for Week Ending December 3)
BY HAROLD A. MILLER
TOTES TO JUNIOR SUPERINTENDENTS: Following are intro
ductions to the two talks given:
Tan Mzss,kon or Out Music.—An Indian boy, years ago,
stood on the, brow of a hill, with his gaze fixed across the valley.
Hal was beating his drum. A white man approached him and
asked, "Why do you beat your drum out here, alone?" The
broken reply came instantly, "Hear what my drum say." The
yoUng brave had caught the great principle of all music—
expression.
THE Music or OUR MESSAGE—Martin Luther was not only a
Reformer, but a musician. He recognized the tremendous power
in music. Early in his career as a preacher, his enemies said
ho had gained more converts through his hymns than by his
preaching. The spirit of the Reformation was borne upon the
wings of song until the Protestants became known as "the
hymn singers.' The spirit of hymn singing is fairly strong
among us as a people, but we need to study how we may better
use this great power for good to us individually, and to the
message we represent.
Scripture: Psalms 59:16.
Music No. 194, "Christ in Song;" duet, No. 209.
Poem: "Song of the Little Singer," p. 58 in "Choice Poems;"
"Ministry of Song," in 1932 Morning Watch Calendar.
Hymn Stories: For stories of origin and incidents relating to
hymns, see books listed in Notes to Senior Leaders, p. 8.
Reading: The Message of Our Music
Taff artist is constantly seeking to portray beauty upon the
canvas. The more beautiful the picture, the greater its appeal
to admiring eyes. The sculptor endeavors to chisel perfect
forms. The more perfectly he represents the ideal human body,
the greater his satisfaction. The poet's pen traces the ideals of
a people. His language is choice, beautiful, and expressive.
The composer seeks to express himself just as the artist, the
sculptor, and the poet. He educates himself to hear the beautiful, and his living tone-pictures stir us, creating in us a greater
desire to hear the harmonies of heaven.
Strange, indeed, is the peculiar art for the ear. It lulls the
tired infant to rest, or fires a nation with the spirit of war.
It throws a mantle of worship over a congregation, or a spirit
of levity over an audience. It arouses fresh, youthful hopes
ono moment, while the next may bring a touch of sadness and
disappointment.
The joy over the Saviour's birth caused the angels to burst
out in song over the plains of Bethlehem. Paul and Silas,
though bound hand and foot on a jail floor, sang the overflow
of their hearts. Martyrs sang until the flames silenced their
voices. The climaxes of our lives, whether joy or sorrow, find
their best expression in music. See that man stepping out of
the office door, Without -work for six months, be has been told
he Its needed for regular duty. The sparkle in his eye, the
smie on his face, and the spring in his step are no more significant than the merry tune he is whistling. You will find that
sorrow, as well as joy, strikes music in the heart. Weeping is
song in the minor key.
• The music that comes from the lands 'lying to the north is
quite different from that which reaches us from those with
warmer climates. The cold, biting winds; the swift-flowing, icy
mountain streams; the barren mountains; the creaking snow
underfoot; even the crackling logs in the open fireplace,all
these contribute in molding the music of a people. The flower
gardens of the south, the balmy breezes, the placid lakes, the
lazy clouds, the singing birds, combine to form a still afferent
Musical expression. Whatever affects man is poured into the
Most faithful interpreter of his feelings—music.
Talk: The Music of Our Message
WEryt great event in connection with God's plan all through
the'ages, has been supported by music.
At creation—Job 38 4'7.
' December 10—Supply
December, 1932
At the Red Sea—Exodus 14:30,'31; 15:1.
The commandments sung—"Education," p. 39, par. 1.
Moses' final message to Israel—Deut. 31:28-30; 32:1-43.
At birth of Jesus—Luke 2:13, 14.
The Reformation—Cardinal Cajetan said, "By his songs he
[Luther] has conquered us."
Methodism in England was given as much power through the
hymns the people sang as through the preaching they heard.
The message of 1844 (the first angel's message) yielded its
own fruitage of music fitting to the world message. The old
advent hymns rang out a dignified 'warning of the coming of
Jesus.
The third angel's message must have its music.
On the sea of glass (Rev. 15:1-3) the picked chorus of
144,000 voices will sing a new song, never before heard in the
universe of God. With their voices will blend the sound of
144,000 harps, for each member holds a harp.
Claudio Muzio, a great singer of today, was making a concert tour of the States. While in the South some acquaintances
invited her to take a short ride out through the country. 'While
moving slowly along a dusty road, they noticed three Negro
children, who stepped aside to let the car go by. Claudio Muzio
'fequested the driver to stop. Stopping out of the ear with her
camera in her hand, she approached the three shy children.
"Will you let me take your picture?" she asked. Perhaps it
was new to them, for they looked questioningly at one another.
"I'll give you each a shiny quarter, if you'll stand over there
for just a moment." That sounded better. The quarters were
passed out, and the children took their places. After a click
or two of the camera, the little folks offered this beautiful lady
the quarters she had given them, as if to pay her for taking
their picture. Here was a golden opportunity for the great
singer. "No, you may keep the money, but I'll tell you how
you can pay me,—you may sing me a little song." Another
surprise to the midget trio. Soon their heads were together as.
they decided what they should sing. A burst of laughter from
those in the car was quickly hushed by a wave of the singer's
hand, for fear her special treat would be spoiled. Facing their
well-dressed benefactor, the three showed their beautiful white
teeth as they opened their mouths to sing "Count yo many
blessin's, count dem one bah one." These Negro children were
a strange contrast to the singers she has beon accustomed to
hear, but the message was going home. Tears were running
down the opera star's cheeks, and as the song was finished and
she turned to get into the car, she thanked the impromptu' trio,
telling them she would never forget their song.
Her meaningful explanation to the riding party is well worth
remembering, and the principles are lofty enough to 'form a
guide for, Christians to follow. In substance this is what she
said: It has fallen to my lot to hear the greatest' singers on
earth. The greatest music written has sounded in my ears for
years. It has been my good fortune to sing before the nobility
of earth, and please them with the best compositions of the best
composers, but never in my life have I heard a song like that
of the three Negro children. It is the sweetest song I have ever
heard, and it went straight to my heart. Some time later in
referring to her peculiar experience, she added, "And I have
been counting my many blessings ever since."
Music's greatness should be tested by the greatness of itsmessage. The third angel's message is the most important
thing in this world; therefore music which will not do its share
in preparing us for eternity is not worthy to be connected with
so grand a message: The best Music of the world is found in
the hymnal. A Beethoven sonata may be beautiful, but there
is no lasting satisfaction such as comes from a simple hymn.
-Beauty for beauty's sake is not sufficient. It must direct us
to the God of beauty. Man's accomplishments are apt to bring
glory to himself; therefore the more simple music having a
direct appeal becomes a greater power for good. Better to seal
your lips forever than to study in order to be admired for your
accomplishments. The music of the redeemed will be for one
purpose only,—to praise the Maker of heaven and earth. We
shall learn on the other shore more of the power and beauty of
music, of which we have but a taste down here. Whether playing an instrument or singing a song, may we seek to duplicate
David's experience recorded in 1 Samuel 16:23.
Let us open our ears to the message of the best in music,
that it may cheer our souls and fortify us against the attacks'
of the evil one.
an original program for this date.
Vol. 19, No. 12
THE CHURCH OFFICERS' GAZETTE
The Junior Pledge
(Program for Week Ending December 17)
BY 1. T. PORTER
NOTES TO JUNIOR SUPERINTENDENTS: Chapter 4 in the Junior
Handbook contains the pledge and helpful suggestions on this
topic. Repeat the pledge in concert. The poems and talks
follow the lead of the Junior Pledge.
ratio: "I Will Be True." Secure a reproduction of some
famous painting of Christ to hold before the Juniors, or give
them small personal copies to hang in their rooms. The Wm. H.
Dietz Company, 20 East Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois, has
very good duo-tone prints, 51/2 x 8%; price, 3 cents each, 30
cents a dozen. Either "Jesus in Gethsemane" or "Head of
Christ as 33" (both by Hofmann).
Talic: "What It Means for a Junior to Pledge." See Junior
Handbook, p. 24.
Music: "Junior Song Book," under topics Consecration and
Service; "Others;" "Help Somebody Today."
Poem: "Myself," by Edgar A. Guest.
Talk: Kindness
(Illustrate that measures are always uniform—a pint is a pint,
etc. Measure a pint of sugar, or sand.)
I HAVE a recipe 'for kindness. You would like to have every
one cheerful and kind to you, and in our study today we shall
find out how to make them that way. This recipe is in a Book,
but I would rather you would memorize it. I want you to use
this recipe so much that you will know it by heart. Here it is:
"With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you
again." Matt. 7:2. (Repeat it together,) What does it mean?
If you are cross to others, they will be cross to you; if you are
bright and cheerful, others will be bright and cheerful, too.
But we have been talking about kindness. Be kind, and others
will be kind to you. Try this, especially when people are tired
and cross, and see how beautifully it works!
A family was out on a picnic and all were having a glorious
time. Robert, the oldest of the children, was often a great
help to his mother, as every boy of eight ought to be. This
day, while mother was clearing away the dishes and getting
reaV to go home, Robert was taking care of his little brother
who had just learned to walk a few months before. When
mother finished, she watched to see how her big boy was doing,
Robert stood in front of the baby and spread his feet wide
apart. His tiny brother saw what he was doing and did the
same, although he nearly fell over while doing it. Next Robert
put his cap on one side of his head. Up went baby's little hand
and he jerked his cap on one side. By this time Robert was
cross because his brother was mimicking him, so he stuck out his
tongue at the baby. Out came the tongue from the baby's
mouth. This was too much for Robert and he hit his baby
brother. The poor little fellow began to cry, but, nevertheless,
be doubled up his fists and tried to hit Robert,
Just then the mother interfered and showed Robert he was to
blame. She said, "Robert, smile at your little brother and
see what happens." Robert did, and even with the tears in his
eyes, the little tot smiled back a bright, brave little smile.
"Now, my boy, put your arm around his neck and kiss him."
When Robert did this, up went the little arms around Robert's
neck, and the little mouth was all puckered up to give him the
sweetest kiss in all the world. That day Robert learned his
lesson. Remember our text.
Talk: I Will Be True
Two brothers, who were the same age, lived in a home in the
city. Their father had many friends and often would invite
them in to spend the evening. Of the men who came, two were
singled out by these boys as the best. Each brother took one
of the men for his ideal. He wanted to be like his choice in
the things he did and the way he looked.
Boys, yes, and girls, too, are all like the twins. They see
a man or a woman they like very much and they often, wish they
could do and look exactly like the one they so much admire.
Then we must be very careful to make the best choice of the
one we wish to copy. But Jesus is our best choice. We can
do no better than to choose Him as our ideal, and seek to do
as He did.
About a hundred years ago, there was a boy who was very
13
anxious to become a British soldier. However, he was not
strong enough, and was not allowed to enter the army. It was
a great disappointment to him all his life. Later he entered
the ministry and became one of the best beloved preachers
in England. One man who heard him often and loved him
much, 'found it very difficult to do always what was right.
At last he secured a picture of this minister and hung it up
in the place where he worked. Ho could never do wrong when
he looked into the pure face of the minister he loved.
Let us make a mental picture of Jesus and hang it in our
hearts. Then we, too, cannot do wrong. A builder needs
a plan of the house he is building, and we, who wish to build
grand and noble lives, need a pattern by which to mold them.
Jesus has been given as our ideal. Let us copy His life and
example. "I will be true" because He is always true.
Symposium: Being a Friend
1. "YE are My friends if"—John 15:13, 14.
2. How to have friends—Prov. 18:24, first part.
3. Closer than a brother—Prov. 18:24, last part.
4. Abraham called Friend of God—James 2:23.
5. A friend loveth at all times—Prov. 17:17.
Seven Definitions for "Friend"
I. A FRIEND is a gift a person makes to himself.
2. Friendship consists in being a friend, not in having one.
3. A friend: One who knows all about you and loves you just
the same.
4. A friend: A golden knot tied by an angel's hand.
5. A friend: One who to himself is true and therefore must
be so to you.
6. One soul abiding in two bodies.
7. (Dictionary) One attached to another by esteem and
a ffection.
Story: "Unto One of the Least of These"
UNCLE JOHNNY had been lame ever since he could remember,
but that didn't keep him from being useful. He had lived
on a farm and had done his work—with difficulty, yet with a
smiling face—just as the rest of the farmers did. But finally,
as he grew older, it seemed foolish for him •to stay in the
country and work so hard. He had never married, and so he
had no one to care for and no one to care for him.
In the fall he moved into the city of Rochester where he
could have a warm room and some one to get his meals during
the cold months of the year. At first it was fun to have time
to see and do whatever he liked; then the hours began to hang
heavy on his hands, and he wondered how he could ever stay
in the city without the work that he had had to do on the
farm.
One day he met another farmer who told him that his eon
was in the hospital and needed some one to talk with him and
to help to pass the time.
"I just must go home," said the man, "for I have been away
from my work too long now, but I don't know what to do
with the boy."
"Can I help?" said Uncle Johnny. "I will gladly go to see
him, and when he is well enough, perhaps I can take him out
in one of the wheel chairs from the hospital."
So Uncle Johnny found a job. Every day he spent some
time with the boy, and gradually he came to know many other
people who were sick. He read to the boy, and when he was
well enough he wheeled him out into the park where the sunshine could help to cure him of his sickness. At the end of
six weeks the boy was discharged and went home. Then Uncle
Johnny was more lonely than ever.
One day a happy thought came to him. "There are always
people who are getting well in the hospital. I wonder if I
couldn't take other people out, even if I don't know them. I
think I will go and ask," thought he.
You may be sure the hospital was glad of the offer, and
one after another they allowed the people to go with him.
Sometimes it was a little child, and sometimes it was an old
gentleman or lady who was his guest. Friends, hearing of his
work, told him of cripples and blind people in Rochester who
would enjoy being taken to the park, so he bought some
chairs of his own and called for them. At first he would
take one in an afternoon, but soon he found that he could
bring several to the park to hear the music, or to see the
flowers, and then take them home as they needed ' to' go.
How to use the "Gazette"—see Senior manual, pp. 156-158.
14
December, 1932
THE CHURCH OFFICERS' GAZETTE
Sometimes they could help themselves, if only Uncle Johnny
would push them across the street, so they would go to a
designated corner and wait for him to come and help them.
( Mothers began to find him a great helper; teachers asked him
to take children home from school; policemen watched to see
how they could help this good friend of the city's sick.
"I'm lucky to have enough to live on without working," said
Uncle Johnny, "for my chair-folks keep me busy all the time.
I have wheeled folks from Europe, and Asia, and from all
over the United States. Wheeling chairs is a great way to
make friends."
If "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of- the least of
these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me" is a test of
one's religion, Uncle Johnny of Rochester must surely be high
on the list of working Christians.—Mary White Eggleston, in
"Seventy-five Stories for the Worship Hour."
The Meaning of Christmas
(Program for Week Ending December 24)
BY MRS. TMEODORE LUCAS
Are you willing to stoop down and consider the needs and the
desires 'of others,' to remember the weakness and loneliness
of people who are growing old, to make a grave for your ugly
thoughts, and a garden for your kindly feelings, with the gate
open,—are you willing to do these things even for a day?
"Then you can keep Christmas.
"Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing
in the world,—stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger
than death,—and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem's manger over nineteen hundred years ago is the personification of Eternal Love, which saves to the uttermost?
"Then you can keep Christmas.
"And if you can keep it for a day, why not always? But
you can never keep it—really keep it—alone!"—Van Dyke.
Let us, as Juniors, really keep this Christmas! How about
the lonely old man next door, or the elderly lady? And, then,
there's father and mother, and brother and sister. Let's sun.
prise them with something unusual. You can think of something that will make them especially happy, I'M sure. Let us
really "keep Christmas"! And keep it always!
Our Gifts
(To be recited as offering is taken.)
Norms To JUNIOR SUPERINTENDENTS: Study carefully the
lirtigraphs found in "Outline Studies From the Testimonies,
Ottith'edition,' Appendix, note 3, and "The Christmas Spirit,
p. 7. This will give you a valuable background for today.
Music: "0 Little Town of Bethlehem," No. 91 in "Junior
864 Book;" see also notes to Senior Program.
Scripture Exercise: Matthew 2:1-31.
Prayer: For a personal knowledge of Jesus.
',Decorittioni: Evergreen boughs will make the room attractive.
Beautiful object lessons may be drawn of the "ever.living" love
,
of Christ.
Readirtgi"The Picture on the Wall," p. 10.
Leader's Talk: Why We Celebrate Christmas
"'CHRISTMAS is coming,' is the note that is sounded through-
out tour world from east to west and from north to south.
But what is Christmas, that it should demand so much
attention? ' This day has been made much of for centuries.
It is accepted by the unbeliving world, and by the Christian
world generally, as the day on which Christ was born.... But
yet -there is no certainty that we are keeping the veritable day
of our Saviour's birth. History gives us no certain assurance
of this. The Bible does not give us the precise time... . As
the twenty-fifth of December is observed to commemorate the
birth of Christ, as the children have been instructed by precept
and, example that this was indeed a day of gladness and rejoicing, you will find it a difficult matter to pass over this
period without giving it some attention. It can be made to
serve a very good purpose."—Mrs., E. G. White, in "Outline
Studies Prom the Testimonies," Appendix, Note S.
Goo gave the Christ, His blessed Son,
A gift of God to every one;
He sent Him to the world below,
The way of truth and right to show.
He was the first great gift to all,
The little Babe in manger stall;
His love, His blessings, too, are free,
A gift from God to you and me.
Now, let us also to our King
The beet of all our treasures bring,
Our money and a willing heart
To find our place and do our part.
—Author Unknown.
Dialogue: The Gift and the Giver
(Three girls seated, sewing)
LINDA: Well, I shall have to hurry to finish this scarf for
Aunt Nell. Every one gives her useful presents, so I de'eided
to get her something frivolous and pretty for a change. Look
[holds up scarf for girls to see]
Doan: That's lovely. This guest towel is for Cousin Anne.
DAISY: I need at least three dollars more for gifts. Then,
too, Mrs. Ward asked me to help with a basket for a poor
family, and I gave her 25 cents.
LINDA: I thought it was cheaper to buy something, so I
got a can of peas.
Dears: Mrs. Ward held -me up too, and I gave her some
sugar.
DAISY: Who's the aforesaid basket for, anyway?
LINDA: A man who takes care of furnaces. He broke his
Gifts for Jesus
arm and can't work. There are several children, too.
Dears: Mrs. Ward says they ate extremely poor.
Tug Wise Men brought Him gifts of gold
LINDA (looking up): Where's Polly Parker?
And laid them by His bed;
Donis: She'll be here. She promised to stop for lunch.
While all around a light from heaven
DAISY: I never saw anybody like Polly. She manages to be
Was shining o'er His head.
happy on nothing, and takes care of a sick and crabby aunt!
They brought Him frankincense and myrrh,
POLLY (entering): Hello, girls. How "Christmasy" you look!
Both ointments rich and rare;
ALL: Hello, Polly,
While from above the angel song
DAISY: We thought you weren't coming.
Came ringing on the air.
POLLY (beginning to sew): I went around to see that poor
We, too, who daily do receive
family Mrs. Ward was telling us about.
The blessings of Ws love,
LINDA (dropping her sewing): Polly!
Should lay the best we have before
POLLY: Well, there's nothing catching about a broken arm,
The Saviour's throne above.
is there? I honestly haven't any money to give for a basket,
but Cousin Emma is coming to spend Christmas with Aunt
To show our love to Christ the King,
Clara, so I thought I would have the day off. I am going to
There are so many ways;
spend it with that poor family. The mother is just- fagged out.
One gift that we may always bring,
I'll help cook dinner, and then I'll see that the poor mother
And gladly bring, is praise.
gets a nap, which seems to me would be a glorious Christmas
We praise Him in the words we speak,
present for her.
And in the things we do;
DAISY (reproachfully): Polly Parker! There goes your
If all our actions and our words
whole Christmas day!
Are to His teachings true.
POLLY (pausing): Why, don't you See I haven't a cent to
We praise Him even in our thoughts,
give, so I want to give myself, and I can amuse children and
And in the songs we sing:
do housework! Sort of humble talents, but they're all I have.
Come, let us join in notes of praise,
Maybe you girls can help some.
To Christ, our blessed King.
LINDA (impulsively): Polly, you make us feel ashamed!
—Author Unknown.
Dons: They are likely in need of clothes. I'm sure Brother
Bob has a suit or two that he has outgrown. I'll ask mother.
Talk: Keeping Christmas
LINDA: My little brother has outgrown some perfectly good
"Ann you willing to forget what you have done for people, warm hose, and a heavy sweater. Mother was just wishing
and remember what other people have done for you; to ignore she knew some one who needed them. We'll have to -find out
old the children are, and maybe we can share some other
what the world owes you, and to think what you owe the world/ how
things with them.
Pass out Morning Watch Calendars on December 31.
Vol. 19, No. 12
THE CHURCH OFFICERS' GAZETTE
DAISY: Mother doesn't know what to do with some of my
things—I've been growing too tall, lately! I hope there is
at least one small girl in the family.
Potty: I am so pleased. We'll find out the sizes they need.
DAISy: And I know how to make some luscious nut cookies,
and you shall have a big bag of them.
Dons: And I know daddy will let me have the car awhile,
and I'll take them all out driving.
POLLY: Why that will be wonderful, girls!
DAISY (laying down work): Come now. Gingham aprons
for every one. Help me bake the Christmas cookies and you
can all sample them. Then we'll get the other things we need!
What fun! This shall be a real Christmas for us all!—E. D.
Yale, Adapted.
Meditation
(Program. for Week Ending December 31)
BY KENNETH A. WRIGILT
NOTES TO JUNIOR SUPERINTENDENTS: The general aim of
this study is to show how the Holy Spirit works in guiding
our decisions if we give Him an opportunity by allowing time
for meditation and prayer. Read article, "The Holy Spirit,"
by F. M. Wilcox, p, 11. Allow three minutes during this
service for meditation. Let Juniors write the results in the
form of New Year resolutions.
A New Year's Cononamt. Urge the Juniors to budget at
least five minutes each day of 1933 to be spent in meditating
upon the Morning Watch text and how it can be applied to our
immediate daily experiences.
Symposium: See the illustrations in Notes to Senior Leaders,
or the "Superintendent's Talk."
Morning Watch Calendar: See Notes to Senior Leaders.
Songs: No. 26, in "Joyful Songs;" Nos. 632, 163, 527, in
"Christ in Song."
Superintendent's Talk: Is Meditation Necessary?
ISAIArt 30:21 speaks of a voice behind us suggesting when
to turn to the right and when to turn to the left. This is the
still small voice, and it cannot be heard unless we are willing
to hear it and give it an opportunity to be heard. Satan desires to fill the time which should be used for prayer and
meditation with hustle and excitement, which, of course, crowds
out the Holy Spirit. Ask yourself this question, "Are you fit
company for yourself t" In other words are you lonesome and
lost if left alone to your own amusement for an hour or so/
Meditation is needed for spiritual growth and right doing as
digestion and assimilation are needed for physical growth. The
word of God is many times likened to the food which we eat.
During meditation very often new resolutions are prompted
by the HPly Spirit. These resolutions may well be likened to
gasoline, powerful and full of progress if used properly and
immediately, or easily evaporated and useless if left unused.
A resolve is not complete until it has been acted upon.
When we are starting out upon a long motor trip, we always
look well to the supply of gas and oil. Were we to neglect
this essential, we would surely expect to become stalled on our
journey and never reach our destination. Why be so illogical
as to expect to make a success of; the day's work unless we
take the time to meditate and pray and, get the necessary
spiritual supply for our journey/
There is such a thing as acute spiritual indigestion. Oftentimes human beings suffer untold pain and ill results if the
physical food is taken too rapidly or under adverse conditions
and not given a chance to digest. Right thinking always precedes right doing. It takes meditation and intelligent planning
if wo are to give the Holy Spirit an opportunity to do His
work. We have the example of ;Christ, for the record speaks in
many places of His being found often in prayer, and frequently
He arose early in the morning in order to be alone and to have
time to study the prophecies and to meditate.
The story is told that at one time in Scotland an old woman
was seen at a fork in the road where she took a stick and
repeatedly tossed it into the air and carefully observed it each
time it fell to the ground. When approached and asked what
she was doing, she said the stick had a crotch on one end and
whichever way the crotch pointed was the proper way for her
to go. The reason she was repeating the procedure was that
not yet had the crotch pointed in the direction she wanted to
go. Absurd, we say! But how like our own attitude toward
the loadings of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we insist on having
our own way even though the Holy Spirit directs otherwise.
Plutarch says: "I have seen people without cities and organized government or laws, but people without shrines and deities
I have not seen." Meditation is becoming a lost art. We have
churches and altars, but worshipers are absent. "Hurryitis"
and "automobilitis" are two diseases destructive to meditation and prayer.
Further helps: "Education," p. 252. See Index to "Messages," topics, "Holy Spirit" and `Meditation."
15
The Lesson of the Camel
THE camel at the close of day
Kneels down upon the sandy plain
To have his burdens lifted off,
And rest again.
My soul, thou too shouldst to thy knees
When twilight draweth to a close,
And let thy Master lift the load
And grant repose.
The camel kneels at break of day
To have his guide replace his load,
Then rises up anew to take
The desert road.
So thou shouldst kneel at morning dawn
That God may give thee daily care,
Assured that He no load too great
Will make thee bear.
—Author Unknown.
Talk: Listening In
A PHRASE that has come into use in connection with the
modern discovery of the transmission of sound through radio
activity presents an old thought from a new angle. It is the
phrase "listening in." Nothing is heard from the radio except
by those who listen for it . . The communication of God
with man is direct, whereas the communication between man
and man on the radio is indirect; for scientifically speaking,
what the radio transmits is not sound, but ethereal waves
which transformed, strike the tympanum of the ear as sound.
The sound is not in the ether but in the ear. The communication of God to man is not yet ended. The outspoken revelation is,
God has a personal word to say to each of His children, a
word suited to their conditions and needs, and He is endeavoring in every way possible to get it lodged in their minds. He
is not merely speaking through ancient writings from which
the divine voice resounds !as the shell is fancied to murmur
the voice of the sea; His living voice is speaking to men
directly and personally. This voice is heard by those only who
attune themselves to it.
When God speaks, attention is demanded. We often fail
to hear God's voice because of our divided attention. We are
giving one ear to the voice of God and the other to the human
voices around us. Jesus says, "When thou prayest, enter into
thy closet." The closet is the "closed place,
e' the place from
which all noise is shut out, the place where one is shut in with
God, and He alone is heard to speak. By the first radios
that were constructed several voices were heard speaking at
once. Now one voice can be selected and all the others tuned
out, and not only all distracting voices, but all disturbing
noises whatsoever. , Sometimes in the use of the radio an Minor- taut message is lost because of the bedlam of voices in the air
caused by a host of unregulated broadcasters.... So we oftenfail to hear God because of the babble of the world's',voices
around us. So great has been the advance in the improvement
of the radio that one can now travel in a railroad ear and , tnie
out all the noise of the moving train, and listen-in' silende to
some message from a distance. God sometimes speaki in the
thunder, but oftener in a "voice of gentle stillness." generally
His voice is so soft and still that it is heard by only those who
listen to nothing else. "Oh, how rare it is," says Pascal, "to
find a soul still enough to hear God speak."
God always keeps within speaking distance; and to each one
He has something to say which is for himself alone. God longs
to come into communication with each one of us, but all His
effort to do so will be in vain unless we keep "listening in,"
bending a willing, responsive ear, saying, "Speak, Lord, for
Thy servant heareth."
How intently we listen in when some one, speaking with
commanding authority, has a message to deliver. When we
turn to listen to the voice of God, we always hear things of
the first importance, the things which our souls hunger to know
regarding the great matters of life and destiny.... "By every
word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man
live;" but that "live" comes only to those who "listen in."—
Acmes M. Campbell, in Etomastio Roview.
Request early from conference M. V. secretary, Application for Membership cards.
16
THE CHURCH OFFICERS' GAZETTE
QUR FOREIGN MISSIONS
f r use of church old re and
This page contains interesting nut
conference workers in promoting our foreign mission work.
Wanted to Keep Their Child
Wring Missionary W. Sehaeffles and his wife came to the
tinge for leaving their Campa Indian Christian village, established back in the upper Amazon Brazilian forest (mentioned
in a former note), this took place:
"When our health demanded a trip to our homeland, Germany, it was almost impassible to quiet the mission Indians.
They did not want to permit us to go. Their attachment was
too great and their belief in our return too small. They desired
us to leave our child as a surety until we would again return to
the mission village. We quieted them with the assurance that
after nine' moons we would return to them. In order to enable them to keep track of the time, we placed a block before
the mission house and made nine cuts into this block As
often as the full moon shows itself in the heavens, the chief
will fill one of the cuts, and when the last one has been filled,
we will be privileged to hear, 'Xi takevi we a ioki [good morning,. brother] I' "
Our 'missionary, anticipating the time when this greeting may
•
be glinan, concludes:
"I am happily looking forward to the time when I may again
see These good people and continue my work among them, We
will„ with united efforts and with confidence in the loadings of
Gad; press farther into the wilds, in order to bring to these
people the glad tidings of Christ Jesus, the true liberty. When
I see the conditions in out homeland, I wish that the gospel
could accomplish hem what it is accomplishing among those
primitive peoples??
Still Looking Out New Mission Sites
MISSIONARY W. H. Aiengnscee tells of searching out new
.
mission sites
in Angolaland, West Africa:
"Of late I have been exploring in new territory. I went up
into the northern and eastern part of Angola, where we have
been wanting to plant a mission for a long time. There, with
Pastors Baker and Bredenkarep, we selected a site for a
mission among the Xinjes. This is a new tribe.that has never
been 'touched, by mission endeavor at all., 'We found a fine
place and hope soon to make a start there. Mrs. Anderson and
I went to ,Luanda to see the ,governorlgeneral abdut new
coneeSsions, He told us that unless the governors of the two
local districts, where we ask for the new missions, object to
the concessions,, lie will grant them, Both these men are our
friends, so I think we shall be granted these mission sites.”
Visiting the Little Villages
THAT none shall be passed by, Missionary S. M. Honigtimelier tells of their plan of work at the Liumba Hill Mission,
in Barotseland, Africa:
"We are making the most vigorous evangelistic effort ever
just now. Five couples are out in the jungle. We are trying
to enter villages we never have entered before. Some will
visit districts which were visited before, but they have been
instructed not to pass by the little villages. Sometimes when
we arrive at a group of villages the headman will ,call the
people to come to the central village. That gives us a better
congregation, saves a bit of walking and time, and still leaves
the message with some of the people from each village. Although we call the villagers together, still there are many who
will not come. Some are afraid, some are working, some are
indifferent,, and some do not want to hear, I told the workers
that if they come to stick a group, they had better call the peo,
pie to a village where no one has ever visited, We are doing
all we can to spread the gospel."
Anxious to Hear
Sammy after taking up duties in the Manchurian Union,
Missionary N. F, Brewer writes:
"Manchuria is a good field and is ripe, ready to harvest. I
have never seen the people so interested to know what the
Bible says about the times in which we live. New, is our time
to work while the conditions are comparatively peaceful. We
can work without interference now, and the people want to
listen. Although we have a cut budget, we are planning on
advance' In .all our provinces. Somehow the Lord will open
the way' if we' step out in faith."
Reproducing From a Health Rook
lelissionanc A. P. Rims, of Bangkok, Siam, tells of finding
a publisher so deeply interested in the contents of a little
health book sold him the year before, that at his own expense
he was reproducing portions of it:
December, 1932
"A few weeks ago I found a man who was putting to good
use' our Crisis Series book, 'A Journey to Happy Health Land.'
He had bought the set of ten books from us last year during
our Big Week campaign, but had forgotten where he got them,
so he said. Anyway, he seemed glad that I had called, and
had one of his clerks bring some hand-drawn pictures which
had been copied from the book. He then told of his plan
to translate some of the material, adapting it to the country,
and to reproduce some of the pictures to be presented to
friends attending a great ceremony soon to be held. Consent
has been given the man to go ahead with his plans, on condition
that he will let us use such of the copy and cuts as we may
want for a small health booklet in Siamese which we may get
out, thus minimizing the- cost. This little incident brought
us cheer, as it offers further evidence of the interest created
by the circulation of our literature."
Finding Fruit Amid Distressing Conditions
HAVING had long experience in China holding up the torch
of life among the women of that land, Missionary Betholda
Miller writes:
"We have recently held three Bible women institutes hi three
different provinces, anu the Lord has come very near to us in
these meetings. The last was held in the North Kiangsu Province, where twenty-nine were preparing for baptism. That part
of the country had been flooded for'months, and the water had
not yet subsided. In some places the poor people travel through
their fields in little boats, Never have I seen such suffering
before. Many of our dear sisters attending this meeting had
been eating the bark of the trees and straw. Yet all through
our meeting never did I hear a word of complaint, only praise
to God for His love and tender care over them, and for Jesus,
their comfort and their all. In this district there is a wonderful work going on. The people are very susceptible to the
gospel. We are, building little churches there in different
places for the small sum of about $100, and many souls are
won at very little' expense. They are willing to donate their
land, and help in building the churches. Several of bur bretff.
ren gave their testimonies, saying, 'Seventy people at this place,'
`Eighty at another,' etc., and all this work is being done
through our church members.
"The other day eight women were baptized, five of whom
were illiterate. One was a college graduate. Yet these unlearned sisters could answer for their faith almost as well as,
if not better than, the highly educated ones. So I realize as
never before the word of the Lord, 'Not by might, nor by
power, but by My' Spirit.'"
Radioed His Change of Faith
A. R, Oonatt, superintendent of the Antillian 'Union Mission, in a letter speaks of the dedication services of the new
church in Santo Domingo City, which replaces the one destroyed by the hurricane. lie also mentions that more than
forty other church buildings were erected throughout
the union
,
during the last four years. Of a visit to Porto Rico he says:
"I just came from Porto Rico last week where we had another; though smaller, church dedication. Here a very wonderful experience developed by a man who is a floriculturist accepting the truth. He had kept his-first Sabbath a short time
before my. visit. Having a.large wholesale and retail business
in the island, he sent out a circular letter to all his clients
and many friends, announcing his change to the Adventist
religion and that he would do no business 'of any character
on the Sabbath. It created no small stir: He not only sent
out this letter, but for the last three weeks'has radioed this
announcement. Thus the work advances."
Among Indians at Sandia
WE have heard of the floods at Sandia, Peru, when, Missionary A. H. Field and his wife were forced to leave, and
also of the later difficult entrance of Missionary Bent Larsen
and his wife by truck, which stalled in midriaer. Here are
sonic of the really entering-in experiences among the Indians
as told by Brother Larsen:
"We have, been here now for almost a month. For some
time we have been visiting around with the Indians and living
in their hut's. 'It is very encouraging to find so many friends
among the Indians, who in spite of persecution, threats, and
the many, falsehoods told about us, have been faithful to God
and to the little they had heard about the message. In every
little place around here in the mountains we find small companies of believers, In some places almost all the people are
coming to the Sabbath school. There are already three organized Sabbath schools with more than 200 members. And a
great many companies are longing to have one organized, if
they just 'could get a teacher. One hundred fifty believers
are preparing for baptism, and many of these have been very
faithful in serving God. Here in Sandia we already have many
friends among the white people. Every day we have many
visitors. Some ,of these friends are very much interested in
MISSION BOARD.
the message,"