Review and Herald for 1967 - Vol. 144

32 Pages·2013·3.95 MB·English

R

April 20, 1967
OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
R
I EVIEW * Facing Your Fears
—Page 2
* A Layman's Thousandth
and Herald
Convert(cid:9) —Page 14
Among those who bore witness to their convictions
in the dim light o f medieval times were
The Albigenses of Southern France
By DANIEL WALTHER
Professor of Church History, Andrews University
W
ITHIN the past 25 years for that reason at least, considered in from their foes. Their views were
a number of important sympathy with unorthodox ideas. often described by the Inquisition in
documents written by the The locale of the Albigensian epi- a hostile manner, and some of their
Albigenses have been found. Special- sode was Occitania, in southwest practices were presented in a dis-
ists in medieval history and many France. Later on, this area was torted way. For this reason the re-
others seem fascinated by these dis- termed Languedoc, the "language of ports of what they believed and prac-
coveries, which have been mentioned Oc" (oc meaning "yes"). The area, ticed are not always reliable. Though
in the daily press and over televi- called Midi ("the south"), was many of their writings were destroyed
sion. graced by a charming civilization by the Inquisition, some have been
For Seventh-day Adventists the Al- whose intellectual and political cen- preserved.
bigenses have a particular interest. ter was Toulouse. Incidentally, south- In the nineteenth century only a
They are referred to on several occa- western France was not part of the few Albigensian documents were
sions in The Great Controversy, kingdom of France at that time. available. Some important fragments
along with their contemporaries the of their writings were published by
Sources of Information
Waldenses, though the two groups Von D011inger. We also have several
were not in doctrinal agreement. Much of the information concern- apocryphal writings which they used
Waldenses and Albigenses often de- ing the Albigenses came, of course, (To page 4)
bated on basic concepts. Yet both be-
longed to the underground "church
of the wilderness"; Rome accused
both of heresy; both considered
Rome as the foe of true Christianity.
They were under constant scrutiny
by the Inquisition, which flourished
almost 800 years ago. The Albigenses
were most conspicuous of the numer-
ous sects of that time. The politically
astute Pope Innocent III used vari-
ous methods to meet the distressing
and menacing onslaught of these het-
erodox groups.
In their first and most dramatic
phase the Albigenses of southern
France had a brief existence, from
about 1160 to 1244. They were con-
temporaries of the famed trouba-
dours, some of whom may have been
at least sympathetic to Albigensian
beliefs. The troubadours were the
singing minstrels of the twelfth and
thirteenth centuries, who went from
castle to castle to entertain the aris-
tocracy. Several troubadours criti- Several hundred Albigenses held out in the castle of Montsegur for nearly a year. Its
cized the Catholic Church and were, eventual fall marked the end of effective resistance on the part of the Albigenses.
Vol. 144(cid:9) No. 16
By DONALD G. REYNOLDS
Minister, White Memcrrial Church
Los Angeles, California
958 REVIEW AND HERALD RICHARD HUGHtS, AR
I
'M-AFRAID o my SilF1 0 espe- sciously recoghite and stimulate treatill of anxious mbrtients,
daily at night," confi ed a usually by some real threat. Fear is seeking to find themselves. One may
twelve-year-old girl in a ospital external; anxiety is internal. This is seek freedom from slavery to himself
ward. where problems are converted into by becoming absorbed in busy activi-
"Are there ever shadows at ight?" physical. symptoms, and by this con- ties. Another may seek release
_the doctor asked. version-reaction people are half sick through drink or by attending reli-
After a moment's thought he re- all the time and all sick half the time. gious services. Yet all three miss what
. plied, "The night is on long Anxiety is not like a sudden thun- they really need.
adow." dershower that departs as quickly as A person who is lost doesn't know
t The long shadows of fear ar every- it came, but like a steady drizzle where home is.
Xihere, morning, noon, and night. that dampens one's vitality continu- The man who turns to mere activi-
Their penetrating darkness s eks to ally. ties or to drink or gluttony does so
blanket love and light and ma What are the effects of anxiety? It from a warped evaluation of life. The
The dilemma of fear begs with does not empty tomorrow of its prob- person who comes to church is headed
Adam, the monarch of creatio . Fear lems, but it does empty today of its in the right direction, but he will
was sin's first consequence; th refore, power. It does not enable a person to never experience release from his bur-
with the genesis of fear came tie first escape evil, but it makes him unfit to den unless he does more than occupy
disease known on earth. The word cope with it when it comes. Worry a seat. If men could, be .freed from
"disease" is used here in its trictest and anxiety are thinking turned their anxieties, half of the hospitals
sense, "dis-ease." A person w o has toxic. They are like jarring music that in the United States would, be em
fear is certainly not at ease. goes round and round arid never tied. Fear is as real as life and deat
When we face our fears we discover comes to a climax or conclusion. Fear We may not be able to see' it, weigh
the fear of defeat, the fear of eople, is going over the same ground end- it, ut it into a test tube, or analyze
the fear of this ideology or t t, the lessly, and coming out where you it.(cid:9) ut it is there.
fear of self, the fear of nonacce tance, started. Most of all, we fear ourselves. The
the fear of self-deception, the ear of To paraphrase Emerson, fear is a admonition to "love thy neighbour as
conflict, the fear of forgiveness off self circle whose circumference is every- thyself" (Matt. 19:19) points •out the
and others, and the fear of sep ation. where and whose center, is nowhere. value of self. We fear lack of accept-
When we speak of these fears e gen- Thinking progresses from one place ance by the group, We are anxious
erally refer to them in the con ext of to another; anxiety remains static. because we are unwilling to forgive
anxieties. Fears are not- alto the!' a The problem in life is to change ourselves, much less to forgive others.
misfortune unless they end in he pa- worry into, thinking and anxiety into Unfortunately, we fear sin, or the
ralysis of perpetual anxiety. creative action. Like the ancient god acts of sin, when we should fear the
Anxiety is a feeling of ap rehen- Janus, fear has many faces and wears separation from God which is the re-
sion, of tension and uneasine , that different masks. sult of sin. In the face of temptation
does not stem from logic or a eason- Release from fear comes when we Joseph declared, "How then can I do
able cause. By contrast, fear is an, face it. Men, women, and youth this great wickedness, and sin against
emotional response which i con4.A idindly grope and stumble down life's God?" Most of us do not think be-
REVIEW. AND WALD, April 20, 1967
4Itt Et.
4k
'F
yond the act of sin. We continue able to -do that'(cid:9) eas t, ob`: all these things do
ring,- only half aware that in.::s9.doing:, why take ye thought for the rest? Con- the nations of the world seek after:
,,we are separating ourselves from .God. sider the lilies how they grow: they and your Father knoweth that ye have
iY "A-,person in this state of.Ieligintis toil not, they spin not; and yet I say need of these things. But rather seek
conflict should heed the admonitions unto you, that'Solomon in all his glory ye the kingdom of God; and all these
the ravens: for they..nei was not arrayed like one of these. If things shall be added unto you"
dier sow nor reap; which..;neither..: then God so clothe the grass, which (Luke 12:24-31).
have .storehouse nor barn; and God is to day in the field, and to morrow is Fear is needless (verse 24). Fear is
feedeth them: how much more are ye cast into the oven; how much more hopeless (verses 25, 26). Fear is faith-
bettet.than the fowls? And which of will he clothe you, 0 ye of little faith? less (verses 27, 28). Fear is useless
yOu':iiiith taking thought can add to And seek not ye. what ye shall eat, or (verses 29, 30). Fear is futile (verse
his stature one cubit? If ye then be not what ye shall, drink, neither be ye of 31).
Every normal life includes conflicts,
fears, and anxieties. We become frus-
trated and Unhappy, not because these
everyday problems arise, but when
we fail to solve them • satisfactorily.
"Every person's emotional history is
a delicate thread of individuality
woven around the, common spool of
humanity."
The Bible contains 365 "fear nots,"
one for every day of the year. It also
contains the solutiOn for. fear. "Love
contains no fear—indeed fully devel-
oped love expels every ',particle of
fear, for fear always contains some of
the torture of feeling 4uilty. This
means that the man who lives in fear
has not yet had his love perfected"
(1 John 4:18, Phillips).*
Love has the power. to, Change the
world within you and to shape the
reality around you, so that you can
find the answer to. life's greatest ques-
tions. Longfellow wrote:
"Ah, how skillful grows the hand
4 That obeyeth love's command!
It is the heart and not the brain
That to the highest doth attain,
And he who followeth Love's-140
Far excelleth all the rest.'4:
it.
Only through the power of-the love
of God can a man attain to qualities
and virtues that he does not possess.
The fearful, frightened, guilty man
is a loveless man, however diligently
he may comply with the outward laWs
of good conduct. Men may presenta ,
brave front to the world,.-but they
not conceal the emotional break-
downs that bring one .out of.-every 12
persons in the United, States to,,a men-
tal institution for ireatmen
point in their lives.
We seem to be living in a time
when at every turn we reqiiire some
thrill to keep us going-',Society I9day
has added the adrenahn "cdcktail" to
the menu of living dangerously.- All
•T(9197 REVIEW AND HERALD HARRY ANOF.F.Sn':, AP.7ST From The New Testament in Modern Englias,
® J. B. Phillips 1958. Used by perniliSm. of The
Paul's soul-consuming commitment to Christ banished the demon of fear from his life. Macmillan Company.
REVIEW AND HERALD, April 20, 1967 •
.
1. Ws.
human vitality and energy is basically of us is a candidate for God's help, jects of his particular concern. Even
aggressive energy. As Christians, our but how often we go carelessly on with them, however, the pope at first
task is to see that the love of God di- without accepting His abundance of used mild means, such as persuasion
rects this energy along noble lines, love and grace. "For God hath not and preaching. Then he sent able
Luther's friend and colleague, Me- given us the spirit of fear; but of legates, one of whom—Peter de Gas-
lanchthon, fell desperately ill. He had power, and of love, and of a sound telnau—was assassinated, allegedly by
grown despondent over a decision he mind" (2 Tim. 1:7). heretics or their sympathizers. Fi-
and Luther had been forced to make. When Christianity is the center of nally he ordered the crusade of 1209
Upon visiting his friend, Luther the life, it provides love, power, and against them.
found him in a semiconscious condi- a sound mind to help a person stand At that time the south of France,
tion and unable to take food. It up under the wear and tear of every- with its brilliant Provencal civiliza-
looked as if this were the end. After day living. To conquer the fear of tion and prosperous economy, was in-
praying, Luther turned to his friend defeat and inner conflict, avail your- dependent of the king of France. It
and taking his hand said, "Be of good self of the positive force of love. It can was mostly under the control of local
cheer, Philip, you will not die. Give eliminate the fear of rejection, ego col- counts of Toulouse and Carcassonne.
no place to the spirit of sorrow, and lapse, or sense of guilt. Why struggle The king of France, who for a long
be not your own executioner, but to conquer your fears one at a time? time had wanted to annex that re-
trust in the Lord, who can slay and Wrote the psalmist, "I sought the gion, sent a ruthless soldier, Simon
make alive again, can wound and Lord, and he heard me, and delivered de Montfort, allegedly to root out the
bind up, can smite and heal again." me from all my fears" (Ps. 34:4). heresy, but really to conquer the area.
From that point on, Melanchthon be- The answer is simple, "Perfect love By 1229 the king of France had gained
gan to recover. casteth out fear" (1 John 4:18). a victory of sorts, but the heresy was
When we face our fears coura- There is no room for it because love far from extinguished. It was the In-
geously we find protection against our crowds it out. quisition, instituted at that time and
frustrations. How often men stand Are there ever any shadows at entrusted to Dominic, that eventually
starved and shamefully alone, and be- night? The long shadows of fear are liquidated the Albigenses.
come their own executioners while everywhere, but they are quickly dis- The most dramatic event, which
they let the love of God pass by! Each pelled by the light of love. ended the first and most important
phase, was the fall of the castle of
Montsegur. That castle, spectacularly
situated on a high, rocky peak,
THE ALBIGENSES OF SOUTHERN FRANCE belonged to the Count of Foix, a pro-
tector of the "heretics" whose daugh-
(Continued from page 1) ter had recently been made "per-
fect." Several hundred of the leading
Albigenses held out in that stronghold
and which have recently been re-ex- found in the library of Florence. It
for almost a year. They were finally
amined. The most complete of the describes the basic teachings of the
betrayed, and on March 16, 1244,
Albigensian sources available in the Albigenses, how they explained the
these leaders—about 200 of them—
nineteenth century was a New Testa- origin of evil, why the Christian
were massacred in a huge fire. This
ment version in the local Provencal should reject this material world, and
episode has been described in scores
language. There was also a Ritual how they attempt to prove the exist-
of recently published essays.
in the local language of Provence, ence of two eternal and opposing
After the fall of Montsegur the Al-
published at the same time as the principles.
bigensian movement lost much of its
New Testament. This Ritual de- Soon after A.D. 1000, groups known
momentum. Scattered groups here
scribed basic church practices, ,such as Cathari ("pure ones") appeared
and there went underground and
as the period of examination of, con- in various parts of Western Europe,
witnessed in the secrecy of their
science and the most important in- notably in France. It was especially
homes or workshops. There were lo-
stitution in Albigensian worship, the in southwestern France (the Langue-
cal resurgences, especially at the be-
consolamenturn. This consisted of a doc) that the Cathari had their
ginning of the fourteenth century.
laying on of hands by means of which strongest roots. The Albigenses were
That particular episode is recounted
the Holy Spirit was presumably con- the Cathari of southern France. They
by a lengthy text now preserved in
ferred upon a "perfect" one. resided primarily in important cities
the Vatican library and published in
Basic sources contain the actual in- such as Toulouse, Carcassonne, and
three volumes in 1965.
terrogations in court trials, questions Albi, which possibly gave its name
the Inquisitors asked, and answers to the Albigenses, the Cathari of that
Albigensian Teachings
given by the suspects. One of these area.
collections, containing 250 volumes, Almost from its inception the The teachings of Catharism were
is in the manuscript division of the movement found sympathetic en- mainly concerned with the problem
National Library in Paris. dorsement by the nobility. The bons of evil. Since its beginning the Chris-
Since 1939 a number of Albigen- hommes ("good men" as they were tian church has endeavored to solve
sian writings have been discovered. often called) impressed also the this distressing problem. To the or-
By 1965, 14 basic documents had masses. The rapid spread of the thodox Christian the existence of
been published, and hundreds of es- movement alarmed Pope Innocent evil and its origin cannot easily be
says written about them. The most III, who took every conceivable explained. One of the rational meth-
important Albigensian document, means to quell the rapid spread of ods that has appealed to some is to
written by one of their bishops and the Albigenses and other sects. solve the question of evil by a dual-
found in 1939, is entitled Book of He treated the Waldenses rather istic concept.
Two Principles. The manuscript, mildly, but the Albigenses, whom he Dualism interprets the universe by
which dates from about 1250, was considered most dangerous, were ob- postulating the existence of two prin-
The REVIEW AND HERALD is published by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is printed every Thursday by the Review and Herald Publishing Association at Takoma
Park, Washington, D.C. 20012, U.S.A. Seeond-class postage paid at Washington, D.C. Copyright @ 1967 by Review and Herald Publishing Association. Vol. 144, No, 16.
4(cid:9) REVIEW AND HERALD, April 20, 1967
ciples such as light and darkness, rites. If acceptable, he was received since they were dualists? It should be
spirit and matter, good and evil, God among the "perfect" ones by the im- remembered that many persons and
and Satan. Philosophical dualism position of hands, the consolamentum, movements of the past whom we
holds that mind and matter are dis- by which the Holy Spirit was im- honor as heroes of the faith were
tinct. Metaphysical dualism teaches parted. From that moment on the not theologically correct on every
that good and evil are the outcome "perfect" one had to abstain from eat- point. This is true even of the great
of separate first causes. Theological ing flesh in all its forms, including leaders of the Protestant Reforma-
dualists hold, as in the early church, eggs, milk, and cheese. Fish was not tion. We honor them because in a
that in the incarnate Christ there considered meat, and there was no time of relative darkness they found
were not only two natures, but two prohibition to partaking of wine. The and were loyal to certain great princi-
persons. "perfect" ones had to live in abso- ples of truth. No, the Albigenses did
Theological dualism was partly of lute chastity. The disdain of the world not teach what we believe. But they
non-Christian origin and infiltrated was so great that some of them prac- carried out their God-appointed task
Christian thinking almost from its be- ticed suicide. The so-called endura at a time when the Church of Rome
ginning. Its best-known form is found consisted in prolonged fasting, which was endeavoring ruthlessly to impose
in the ancient Persian religion, espe- often caused death. its system of error. Like the Walden-
cially in its later form known as Zoro- From a doctrinal standpoint the ses, the Albigenses opposed Rome
astrianism. That system conceived of Albigenses were not considered ortho- by espousing a way of life they be-
an eternal opposition between the dox either by Protestants or Catho- lieved to be right.
principles of good, personified by Or- lics. Yet Protestants have often con- In spite of their erroneous views
mazd, and the principle of evil, by sidered the Albigenses among their with regard to Creation and the prob-
Ahriman. spiritual ancestors, as an important lem of evil, the Albigenses deserve a
Under the influence of Persian link in the "church in the wilderness." place in God's great "cloud of wit-
teaching some dualistic elements The question is sometimes asked, nesses" who gave their lives so that
found their way into Jewish apocalyp- How can we accord the Albigenses the Word of God might shine forth
tic writing. The Qumran texts refer a place among evangelical Christians in liberty and glory.
to the "sons of light" as opposed to
the "sons of darkness."
The best known of all dualistic sys-
tems that have appeared in the course. Houses and trees whizzed by. Lake-
Christian church was Manicheism, wood Avenue was just ahead. This was
one of the most persistent heresies. where he wanted to turn.
Early influential leaders, such as St. FOR THE YOUttKET He jerked the wheel harder. Obedient
to his steering directions, the vehicle
Augustine at first, were Manicheans.
'tea,(cid:9) veered toward the curb and headed for a
The Manicheans did not—any more
tree near the corner of Arlis and Lake-
than the Persians—believe that
wood.
there were two separate gods. They
The Unfinished Ride "The brakes! The brakes!" Jim
believed, rather, in two basic princi- screamed, slamming his foot on the pedal.
ples irreconcilably opposed to each Part 2 The car came to a jarring halt with the
other. From the Manicheans of the frightening sound of crushing metal and
third century, dualism went through By HELEN KELLY shattering glass.
successive phases until it reached the "Just lie still, boy; you'll be all right."
Albigenses of southern France, the WHEN THE motor of the car began to The man who leaned over him patted
hum, Jim studied the dashboard, plan- his arm lightly. Jim moaned. His head
Paulicians in the eighth century and
ning his next move. At a safe distance and chest ached so. Where was he any-
the Bogomils of the tenth century from the automobile, Jim's classmates way?
forming two of the links. were lined up like a row of spectators at
From where he lay on the sidewalk he
All dualists agreed that the crea- a parade.
could see flames licking up from the horri-
tion of this world could not have been He would probably have time to go bly smashed front end of what must be
the work of the good God, who is around the block before mom came out. the car. Then he realized what had hap-
That would prove the point he was try-
"spirit." The true God has revealed pened.
ing to make anyway, even if he didn't
Himself through Jesus Christ, who He heard a siren's wail coming closer.
come back with the bread. He knew how
was considered the principal link be- His lips felt as puffy as grapefruit halves.
to handle a car. Nothing to it.
tween the God of spirit and man. No one had to tell him what the salty-
Placing his foot hard on the brake
Dualism is not easy to define, even pedal, Jim released the emergency brake. flavored substance in his mouth was.
though numerous essays continue to Now into "drive," he reminded himself. Within minutes he was on a stretcher
in the back of a police ambulance. At the
be published about it. That the Al- He didn't dare check to see whether the
hospital his banged-up face was cleaned
bigenses were dualists is not in doubt; boys were still gawking. He must think
and stitched. His head and chest were
the question is, To what degree? only of his driving.
X-rayed. Later in the day the doctor said
He pulled himself up so his back was
In an endeavor to unite the various that after a few days in the hospital and
as straight as a rod. Then he could see
schools of thought among the Albi- a few more resting at home, Jim should
over the steering wheel. His foot came
genses a council was held at Toulouse be able to return to school.
off the brake pedal and pressed down on
in 1167. At that council a bishop the accelerator. Easy now, he steadied "He's lucky to be alive," was the traffic
who had come from the Balkans himself. officer's comment.
united the believers in teaching and The car pulled away from the curb Mom made an appointment with the
organization. and started slowly down Arlis Drive. Jim dentist, for now Jim had several missing
smiled as he pushed down harder on the teeth. And then there was the matter of
The Albigenses were divided into
gas. Like a horse that had been spurred, the tickets charging him with reckless
two main groups, the credentes, or
the car quickly responded, picking up driving and driving without a license.
believers, and the perfecti, or perfect.
speed. Those fellows will really have Meanwhile, the demolished car had
In order to become "perfect" a be-
something to talk about now, he thought. been towed to the junkyard. Never
liever had to remain under observa- Grasping the steering wheel tightly again would it take Jim to school—or to
tion for some time and to receive in- with both hands, Jim moved it back and the store for a loaf of bread.
struction on the meaning of the basic forth, trying to keep the car on a straight (Concluded)
REVIEW AND HERALD, April 20, 1967
The Fruitage of the Holy Spirit-6
MEEKNESS'
and
RELF-CONTROL
By TAYLOR G. BUNCH
This life is a training period during, which the Christian must
learn to exercise a high degree of self-control in all things.
BLESSED are the meek" (Matt. Judah. In Revelation, Satan, the readily learned in early childhood,
5:5). What a shocking idea "great red dragon," is vanquished by when the foundation of character is
this must have seemed to the the Lamb of God and His followers. laid. It is then that we begin to grasp
rulers of Christ's day. Their position "If any man will do his will, he the lessons of cause and effect, sowing
in life demanded a dignified aloof- shall know of the doctrine" (John and reaping. Self-control touches
ness. Pomp and ceremony proved 7:17). Pride in our own wisdom, love every phase of life—physical, mental,
them to be the leaders of Israel. of our own opinions, blinds us to the and spiritual. A healthy body, a
So it has ever been, and so it is to- truth as it is in Jesus (Eph. 4:21). sound mind, and a noble character
day—in the confused thinking of all This was true of Lucifer, who in ad- are the greatest inheritance parents
who know not the majestic greatness miration of his own wisdom and can bestow on their children.
of the meek and lowly One. Many beauty aspired to be equal with God. The will is the governing factor
equate meekness with weakness. But Pride caused many to reject the and power in the development of
there is a weakness that is strong (2 lowly teacher from Nazareth. Confi- character. Paul sets forth this princi-
Cor. 12:10), for it draws strength dent in their own knowledge and wis- ple in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Here
from the One who spoke the invita- dom, they were blind to His teaching he likens growth in Christian char-
tion, "Come unto me, all ye that la- and the beauty of His character. The acter to an athlete's preparation for
bour and are heavy laden, and I will same is true today. a contest. The athlete must practice
give you rest. Take my yoke upon temperance in all areas of training.
you, and learn of me; for I am meek The Climactic Fruit—Self-control Every hour is regulated. He is not
and lowly in heart: and ye shall find The final fruit of the Spirit named permitted to indulge any desire that
rest unto your souls. For my yoke is in Galatians 5:23 is temperance, lit- will in the least lessen his agility or
easy, and my burden is light" (Matt. erally "self-control." The loss of self- strength.
11:28-30). control was one deplorable result of An athlete in training eats and
This meekness is resilient, for it is the original apostasy in Eden. Not drinks, sleeps and exercises, at regu-
genuine in all its attitudes and rela- many generations passed until, ac- lar hours. He submits to this strenu-
tionships. In gracious courtesy it cording to God's own record, "the ous training and control in the hope
yields to high and low alike. The wickedness of man was great in the of winning a temporary crown. But
meekness and lowliness of Christ is earth, and ... every imagination of the victory for the Christian is certain.
the Christian's power. Of Moses it is thoughts of his heart was only evil Soldiers of the cross have ever been
said that he was the meekest of men; continually" (Gen. 6:5). The infer- in the world but "not of the world"
yet see him boldly entering the court ence is that men loved evil. They (John 17:15, 16). Their strength of
of Pharaoh to deliver God's message. abused God's gifts. They indulged ap- character, their loyalty to the princi-
Or we might learn from Abraham in petite without restraint. ples of the kingdom of heaven and
his relationship with Lot, or study the In their pursuit of self-indulgence to their King should inspire us to
life of Daniel at the court of Babylon. and pleasure, men wandered far away stand firm in defense of truth and
Strength in meekness is seen also in from God. They refused to heed His righteousness. The Saviour warned
the lives of Daniel's three compan- call to repentance. They mocked His the church of our time: "Take heed
ions as in quiet courtesy they defy warning of coming disaster, "until to yourselves, lest at any time your
the edict of King Nebuchadnezzar. the flood came, and took them all hearts be overcharged with surfeit-
Jesus places meekness among the away" (Matt. 24:39). In these words ing, and drunkenness, and cares of
first qualifications for His kingdom. the Master reminded His hearers of this life, and so that day come upon
To the truly meek is given the prom- that great tragedy as a warning of the you unawares" (Luke 21:34).
ise of the lost inheritance restored: results of rebellion. Down through
Let Us Examine Ourselves
"They shall inherit the earth." the ages His words come to a focus on
Throughout His life on earth He our day—"so shall also the coming of As we conclude this series of medi-
manifested the beauty of this pre- the Son of man be." tations on the character of our Lord
cious grace. He is the Lamb of God Self-control is not inherent in hu- and His followers as pictured by the
as well as the Lion of the tribe of man nature. This principle is most fruits of the Spirit, let us individually
(cid:9)
6 REVIEW AND HERALD, April 20, 1967
examine ourselves whether we be in time. Perhaps the first lesson we need Spirit in our hearts and minds that
the faith (2 Cor. 13:5). Let us grasp to learn is to live His life a day at a we are prepared to meet Him in
the fact that salvation is a very per- time. Christ warned us not to be anx- peace.
sonal work, and that its goal is to re- ious about the needs of tomorrow Today, let us earnestly pray that
produce in us a character like His (Matt. 6:34, R.S.V.). He bestows this power may be in complete pos-
glorious character. Our lives will bear strength and wisdom for each day. If session of our lives. Today may our
witness to the power that worketh in today we surrender our lives to His hearts be flooded with light and love
us mightily (Col. 1:29). keeping, gladly trusting that "all toward God and man. Then our at-
This fuller life in Christ can be things work together for good to tributes of character will testify that
ours, it must be ours, in these final them that love God" (Rom. 8:28), we live and walk in the Spirit (Gal.
days of earth's history. He "hath be- then we shall know by experience 5:25), and the "beauty of Jesus" will
gun a good work in" us (Phil. 1:6), that it is not by might or power, but be seen in us.
and He can, and will, finish it on by the quiet working of the Holy (Concluded)
Aeo,a4ty;if (cid:9) whQn
(cid:9)
you' re
youn g
ON GIFTS AND MOTHERS
I'VE NEVER been particularly enthusi- desired impression. Then, of course, the
astic over the idea of formalized days speaker is duty bound to embark upon
assigned to honor specific individuals. I've her shopping expedition immediately so
tended to regard this plan as very likely as to provide mother the opportunity to
a diabolical merchandising scheme to trap be (a) happy and (b) unselfish. And if it's something beyond your finan-
the unwary. In Western civilization, at The natural result of this continued cial resources, here's an opportunity to
least, we seem to go from one "honor" day course of conduct is, I suppose, for mother use your organizational skills and "round
to another, from one holiday to another to become quite deliriously happy and up" the cash from the entire "tribe." If
in rapid succession, each new occasion monumentally unselfish. Incidentally, the she needs a new spring coat, and has
necessitating a gift. (A rhinestone-studded speaker will, I feel sure, become very needed it for years, you could obtain a
collar to improve my nonexistent dog's unhappy and very selfish. It just works large suit box, cut out a picture of a
self-image, to make him feel cherished that way. pretty coat, attach the delightfully green
on his "day"? Hardly!) But let me tell you something. Mother (such an attractive color!) bills to it, then
However, I think I'll have to make an won't be all that happy, no matter how wrap the whole thing up artistically and
exception where Mother's Day (soon to convincing a performance she gives, and present it with a flourish at the appro-
arrive) is concerned, and that exception past a certain point, unselfishness can priate time.
will include Father's Day also. Because if resemble "door-matishness." If your One word of caution, though. If your
ever people qualified for gifts, for hymns mother has fallen into the patient paternal parent contributes $39.50 on a
of praise, for laurel wreaths entwined Griselda syndrome, it's plainly your re- $40 enterprise you're hardly entitled to
around furrowed brows, it's faithful par- sponsibility to snap her out of it. She beam with such an obvious feeling of
ents. By the time people have lived needs to learn how to receive as well as generosity when mother can't find words
through bottles and diapers, tantrums and give. You've already mastered this skill! to express her gratitude.
bruises, report cards and puppy love, In case there's any lingering doubt in Gift giving really is a part of civilized,
family car wrecks and sleepless nights, your mind, mothers are human and they adult living. (Maybe it's quite the thing
well—they've lived, that's all, granted are women and they are feminine. They in uncivilized societies also, but my knowl-
this is the stuff life is made of. derive great pleasure from objects that edge of anthropology is extremely
But I don't really intend to eulogize smell good, feel soft, sparkle, enhance limited.) And it really is "more blessed
parents, tempted though I am to do so. their appearance, and can be displayed to give than to receive." But it takes prac-
What I'd like to talk about is your philos- to friends ("My son/daughter gave me tice to become skillful at this art, just as
ophy of family gift giving—a facet of this for Mother's Day! He shouldn't have it does with anything else. It takes a
the art of living often ignored or over- . . . but how I love it!"). dawning maturity. The red roses do not
looked. Probably there's no particular point in obligate your mother to be your galley
One rather brisk way of handling the discussing the price of your gift, except slave for the next year, you know.
problem of gift giving is to make this to say that you'd better not lean too hard Any kind of giving, I should think,
sort of smooth declaration, delivered in on that too-often-tried and very-often-un- helps prevent a certain deformity where-
tones of the utmost sincerity (?): true cliche that "it's the thought that by the fingernails grow right through the
"My mother doesn't want anything for counts." It does, but not entirely. By palm of the hand. Mother's Day will soon
herself. She'd much prefer that I spend which I mean that if you do your own be here—and there's a solid Biblical in-
the money for something I want. She's buying in the most expensive store in junction to "Honour thy . . . mother."
so sweet and unselfish—she'll just love town it's downright degrading (to you) Giving a gift is only one way to honor
seeing me in that new 'poor boy' sweater to visit a bargain basement for your her, but it is a way.
and skirt. She's a wonderful person." This mother's gift.
statement must be accompanied by appro- The real significance of the "thought,"
priate head wagging, and just a suspi- I believe, is that you'll give real considera-
cion of moisture in the eyes. A moment tion to what your mother wants and needs
of silence might further contribute to the and likes. You'll care enough to find out.
REVIEW AND HERALD, April 20, 1967(cid:9) 7
ers, laundry workers, and a host of
Church institutions are., other practical workers for our insti-
tutions? Seventh-day Adventist main-
urgently calling for workers
tenance workers, clerks, typists, tech-
sitilled in many lines of service. nicians, billing clerks, insurance
clerks, cashiers, licensed vocational
GOD NaD S nurses, and many others are urgently
needed today. We believe that the
time has come for these most impor-
tant positions in our institutions to be
Your Talent filled with willing, dedicated Seventh-
day Adventists.
We urge parents to encourage their
young people to prepare themselves
`2ity FRANK PHILLIPS'
to fit into some position in the "serv-
Director, White Memorial Medipqr ices of the Lord." Many young people
with talent or skill in a particular line
have been urged by well-meaning par-
ents to pursue a course of study and
training for a position in God's cause
for which they are, in fact, ill-quali-
"For my thoughts are not your sanctuary and later the Temple, man- fied. Many who have completed such
thoughts, neither are your ways my ual labor was respectable and digni- a course turn away from the Lord's
ways, saith the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8). fied. It was performed by a special work to find positions in the world,
group, chosen by God Himself. Jesus, never realizing that God has need in
NEVER have these words been Paul, and a host of others have left us His service for their talent also. The
more meaningful than now. worthy examples of the dignity of la- time has come when many who are
With the power struggle for bor.
now working in institutions of the
class recognition, the status of a man
world should join "the services of the
being determined by the kind of auto- The "Services of the Lord"
Lord" even if, in some cases, it may
mobile or automobiles he drives, the Today the "services of the Lord" mean some financial loss.
cost of his home, or the cut of his include not only the activities of the Labor laws, government controls,
clothing, we may well consider again church proper, but the work in our labor union activities, and pressures
that which Heaven values most highly. schools, hospitals, food factories, book unknown a few short years ago, all
Materialism has become the order binderies, and other institutions, point to the fact that we have but a
of the day, and materialistic man, many of them privately operated or- short time until God's work will be
both within and without the church, ganizations. All are working together finished. What part will you have had
has built, a society quite contrary to to bring glory to His name. These or- in carrying on "the services of the
God's plan. When God led His peo- ganizations, however, are facing a real Lord" in these last days? You may not
ple from Egypt and established them problem. Where can they find the belong to the tribe of Levi, but God
as a nation under a theocratic form of dedicated men and women needed to has a place for you in His service.
government, He gave explicit direc- staff these "services of the Lord"? Why not get in touch with the per-
tions to Moses. He instructed Moses
Our schools are training medical sonnel office in the institution nearest
to set apart the tribe of Levi for the
doctors, dentists, nurses, teachers, min- you and offer your services while
service of the Lord. Some—the sons of
isters, and secretaries, but where are there is yet time? "The night cometh,
Aaron—were to be priests; the others
the janitors, maids, food service work- when no man can work."
were to be their assistants. Their as-
signed task was to move, set up, tear
down, clean, and provide many other
LETTERS TO THE
services. It was their career, and they
were not relieved of these duties until
they reached fifty years of age.
These workers were the janitors,
truck drivers, and laborers—skilled
and semiskilled—of their day; yet
their labors were essential, and they
themselves were dedicated to the serv- THINGS ARE WORSENING for me, whereof I am glad. . . . May God
ice of the Lord even as were their richly bless you in this good work of encour-
EDITORS: Several years ago I asked prayer for
brethren, the sons of Aaron. The aging the brethren to have faith in God.
my two sons who have turned away from God.
church today is composed largely of —Mrs. C., of Guiana.
Things are worsening regarding their experi-
faithful workers such as these, many ence and the grandchildren are being influ-
of whom, however, have never felt enced adversely. The devil is nearly winning. EDITORS: Several years ago I sent in the names
that God really needs their particular Please continue to pray for these dear ones. of several of my family. I am happy to tell
talents. —Mrs. C., London, England. you that this year a granddaughter came back
The Levites were also assigned the into the church, where she met a fine young
task of religious instruction among ANSWERS TO PRAYER man. They were married during the summer
and have established a Christian home.
the people. On certain feast days the
EDITORS: It is with thankful heart that I Thank you all from the depths of my heart
people were to invite the poor and
write about the gradual answer to our for your prayers.
unfortunate, the priests and the Le- prayers. The Lord has done great things —Mrs. W., of California.
vites, to eat with them. At such times
the latter were to teach and instruct
the people in the way of the Lord. BTehcisa ucsoelu omf nth ies ldaergdeic nautemdb teor tohfe r eeqnuceosutrsa greecmeeivnetd o af npdra tyheer cfoomr optlheexirtsie ast othf eth seu pnrsoebtl ehmous rp ereacshe nFteridd,a iyt ies vimenpinogs-.
In God's plan for operating the sible for us to answer each letter personally, but all requests will be acknowledged and will be kept on file in
our office. Portions of letters, especially those that tell of answers to prayer, will be published as space permits
(cid:9)
8 REVIEW AND HERALD, April 20, 1967
CONDUCTED BY PROMISE JOY SHERMAN
e
Part I
Lamoit Book
Goee'd OdeOrdae
By HELEN L. LUND
O
NE day a young mother called early be prepared for casting in the
her little son to her with this precious seeds of truth, which in due
request, "I want you to make time will spring up and bear a rich
an effort to get me the stem of that harvest."—Child Guidance, p. 48.
lily as near the root as possible. I want How few of us are heeding this
you to understand something about counsel! How much easier it is to let
it." The lily was growing in a shallow the little ones sit before a television
pond full of muck and debris, and yet set for hours! But what are they learn-
it was spotless, perfectly beautiful. ing to love in most of the television
The little boy pulled up a handful programs? Is it not the world and the
of lilies, and the mother showed him things of the world? Will it be surpris-
how the stems were all full of chan- ing if they grow up loving those
nels, through which they drew prop- worldly things more than the things
erties from the pure sands beneath of God? How much better it would be
and developed the pure and spotless if our little ones could grow up, as we
flowers, refusing every unsightly thing are instructed, learning to love God
along the way. "This is . . . the way, " and to appreciate His goodness in
explained the mother, "that we are His created works.
to educate our youth. . . . Let them If you feel this is impossible in your
draw, . . . the purity, the virtue, the case, because you know so little about
grace, the love . . . from the Source nature, do not be discouraged. Get a
of all power." simple book from the store or library
That mother was Ellen G. White, on some subject you and the children
and she recounts the experience with find interesting, and learn together.
her own little boy as an example of You will find it a means of developing
how we all may use nature study as a a delightful companionship with
precious lesson book for ourselves them.
and our children. You may find this I well remember the day when I
story in Child Guidance, page 58. first realized my own ignorance of the
Here are a few of the many state- things of nature. Our two children
ments in which Mrs. White empha- were already of school age, when a
sizes this type of study: friend from our church, with her two
"Let the mother . . . find time to little boys, was visiting us out in our
cultivate in herself and her children yard. One of the little fellows sud-
a love for the beautiful things of na- denly shouted, "Look, there goes a
ture."—Ibid., p. 48. "To the little tiger swallowtail!"
child, not yet capable of learning EVA LUOMA "A what?" I asked, wondering if
from the printed page or of being in- To the child not yet capable of learning he had seen some strange animal or
from the printed page "nature presents an
troduced to the routine of the school- bird.
unfailing source of instruction and delight,"
room, nature presents an unfailing "A tiger swallowtail. That butterfly
source of instruction and delight. The over there," the boy explained pa-
heart not yet hardened by contact "Let the little ones play in the tiently.
with evil is quick to recognize the open air; let them listen to the songs I was embarrassed at my ignorance
Presence that pervades all created of the birds, and learn the love of God and vowed then and there that I was
things. The ear as yet undulled by the as expressed in His beautiful works." going to learn more about nature. I
world's clamor is attentive to the —Counsels to Parents and Teachers, could see in it a wonderful field of in-
Voice that speaks through nature's ut- p. 146. terest for my children. And so we be-
terances. . . . So far as possible, let "As fast as their minds can compre- gan, the children and I, to learn
the child from his earliest years be hend it, the parents should open be- about butterflies. We learned of many
placed where this wonderful lesson fore them God's great book of nature." other things too, and spent many
book shall be open before him."—Ed- —Fundamentals of Education, p. 157. happy hours together collecting and
ucation, p. 100. "The soil of the heart may thus identifying the beautiful things of na-
REVIEW AND HERALD, April 20, 1967 9
ture. They are grown now—our two ture, and how He had gathered the dation of the Sabbath was laid, and
—and they still love the things of na- spiritual teaching from the surround- all the sons of God shouted for joy."
ture. They have never cared much ings of His daily life."—The Desire —Child Guidance, p. 533.
for the cheap tinsel of the world. It of Ages, p. 70. Not only Sabbaths, but whole week-
has seemed so inferior to the lovely "Christ loved to gather the people ends as well as yearly vacations, can
things in God's great outdoors. I only about Him under the blue heavens, often be spent in God's great outdoors.
wish I had started sooner; and I wish, on some grassy hillside, or on the There is no recreation that truly re-
too, I had learned to bring out more beach beside the lake. Here, sur- creates like a restful time in the
of the spiritual lessons that nature rounded by the works of His own cre- mountains or by a lake or the sea-
has to teach. ation, He could turn their thoughts shore. When our children were
from the artificial to the natural. . . . younger, we provided ourselves with
Directs Us to God In future days the lessons of the divine inexpensive camping equipment that
Foremost of all, nature directs our Teacher would thus be repeated to could be quickly assembled, and spent
minds to the goodness, mercy, love, them by the things of nature."—The dozens of delightful periods in na-
and power of God. "The unseen is il- Ministry of Healing, p. 54. ture's beauty spots. Sometimes several
lustrated by the seen. On everything families of us camped together, wor-
On the Sabbath Day
upon the earth, from the loftiest tree shiping together on Sabbath, hunting
of the forest to the lichen that clings Many parents may be too busy to nature's treasures on other days.
to the rock, from the boundless ocean spend much time with their children Nothing can be more enjoyable.
to the tiniest shell on the shore, they out in nature through the week, but Mrs. White advises a similar excur-
may behold the image and super- they will find in the Sabbath day a sion to some fine lake or grove where
scription of God."—Education, p. lovely time for such association. the scenery is beautiful. She says the
100. "Since the Sabbath is a memorial of good food, the ride, and the exercise
"Every drop of rain, every ray of creative power, it is the day above will be highly beneficial. "On such
light shed on our unthankful race, all others when we should acquaint occasions parents and children should
every leaf and flower and fruit, testi- ourselves with God through His feel free from care, labor, and per-
fies to God's long forbearance and His works. In the minds of the children plexity. Parents should become chil-
great love."—Christ's Object Lessons, the very thought of the Sabbath dren with their children, making ev-
pp. 301, 302. should be bound up with the beauty erything as pleasant for them as pos-
"From the solemn roll of the deep- of natural things. '—Education, p. sible."—Messages to Young People, p.
toned thunder and old ocean's cease- 251. 393.
less roar, to the glad songs that make "We should study the Saviour's par-
the forests vocal with melody, nature's ables where He spoke them, in the A Threefold Benefit
ten thousand voices speak His praise. fields and groves, under the open sky, Nature study strengthens both
In earth and sea and sky, with their among the grass and flowers."— mind and body, as well as the charac-
marvelous tint and color, varying in Christ's Object Lessons, p. 26. ter. "The glory of God is displayed
gorgeous contrast or blended in har- "They [the children] can be in His handiwork. Here are mysteries
mony, we behold His glory. The ever- pointed to the blooming flowers and that the mind will become strong in
lasting hills tell us of His power. The the opening buds, the lofty trees and searching out....All may find themes
trees that wave their green banners in beautiful spires of grass, and taught for study in the simple leaf of the
the sunlight, and the flowers in their that God made all these in six days forest tree, the spires of grass covering
delicate beauty, point to their Crea- and rested on the seventh day and the earth with their green velvet car-
tor. The living green that carpets the hallowed it. . • . When these children pet, the plants and flowers, the stately
brown earth tells of God's care for the look upon the things of nature, they trees of the forest, the lofty moun-
humblest of His creatures. The caves will call to mind the great Creator of tains, the granite rocks, the restless
of the sea and the depths of the earth them all. Their thoughts will be car- ocean, the precious gems of light
reveal His treasures. He who placed ried up to nature's God—back to the studding the heavens to make the
the pearls in the ocean and the ame- creation of our world, when the foun- night beautiful, the exhaustless riches
thyst and chrysolite among the rocks, of the sunlight, the solemn glories of
is a lover of the beautiful. The sun the moon, the winter's cold, the sum-
rising in the heavens is a representa- mer's heat, the changing, recurring
tive of Him who is the life and light seasons, in perfect order and har-
of all that He has made. All the mony, controlled by infinite power;
brightness and beauty that adorn the here are subjects which call for deep
earth and light up the heavens speak thought, for the stretch of the imagi-
of God."—Ministry of Healing, pp. nation."—Child Guidance, p. 49.
411, 412.
"Life in the open air is good for
Christ's Schoolroom [Parents are invited to send to tne KEVIEW unusual body and mind. It is God's medicine
comments in the field of religion or religious princi- for the restoration of health. Pure air,
ples made by children under ten years of age. When
Nature was Christ's study and you write, be sure to give the setting for the state- good water, sunshine, the beautiful
method of teaching. "He who had ment and the child's age.—EnzToas.1 surroundings of nature—these are
made all things studied the lessons His means for restoring the sick to
which His own hand had written in Jesus Is Coming health in natural ways."—Testimo-
earth and sea and sky. Apart from the nies, vol. 7, p. 85.
unholy ways of the world, He gath- Because my sister was planning to visit "Through nature they would hear
ered stores of scientific knowledge our home, I wanted to prepare my two- His voice speaking to their hearts of
from nature. He studied the life of and-a-haltyeavold son for the occasion. His peace and love, and mind and
"Who is coming to see us tomorrow?" I
plants and animals, and the life of soul and body would respond to the
asked Danny. "Jesus," he replied.
man. . . . The parables by which, dur- healing, life-giving power."—The
Often I have pondered this thought.
ing His ministry, He loved to teach Am I preparing my children and myself Ministry of Healing, p. 192 (see also
His lessons of truth show how open to meet Him? p. 264).
His spirit was to the influences of na- BETTY DUNAGIN (Concluded next week)
REVIEW AND HERALD, April 20, 1967