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The intention and the purpose of this chart (on the following page) is to sum up both lessons (reform, and the 144,000). Through this chart we see a perfect harmony of what has been taught in this publication. It also enables us to check up on this most vital subject. God, who is so particular for the good of His church to reveal His truth to His people, has worked out most wonderful pictures of historical events. The evidence of everlasting love for Israel, His chosen, the first-fruits of His harvest. "The God of Jacob" for thousands of years in advance had laid His plans to present to His people an art of divine touch in a beauty of perfection.
Said the Psalmist, "The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: A fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about Him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that He may judge his people. Gather My saints together unto Me; those that have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare His righteousness: For God is judge himself. Selah. Hear, O my people, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God." Psalm 50:1-7.
Speaking of section two in the summary chart, entitled "Patriarchate Types" is the section which gave birth to the patriarchs (for this reason we have given it that title), whom God preordained to be as monuments, and sign posts as it were, and examples for His church in their appointed time, to fulfill the divine purpose. Monuments? Yes; more than monuments. Their voices thunder by echoes, and re-echoes, onward through the ages, and in our own time they are heard the loudest.
Section number three, entitled "Ceremonial Types" is the section which, by the Tabernacle service in connection with the Sanctuary, has given us symbols of unmistakable, priceless lessons. Though they originated many centuries ago, their sweet melodies of salvation from the Father's love, onward though the avenue by the human race, have reached our own time without the loss of a single sounding note. These divinely appointed symbols were to reveal the Author of love to the human family in all ages.
True, we have reached an age of great knowledge, but it seems to be only of lesser importance, and very little in the knowledge of Him from whom all blessings come: In wisdom, knowledge, health, and strength to accomplish great things. Had not the people of God fallen into a drowsy, sleepy spell, many of these ancient symbols and types, with their true meaning of great importance to God's church, would have been revealed long ago. Much good could have been accomplished and the blessings derived from such knowledge cannot be estimated. While the world is making rapid progress in human wisdom and wicked devices, God's people have made no great advancement for the better in any line. For years we have been retracting from Him who is the Source of all true wisdom.
The types ordained in section two immediately began to meet their anti-types as soon as the exodus movement gave way to section three. The passover night gave birth to this section (of ceremonial types). Hagar (the type) met anti-type which was celebrated and dedicated with great demonstrations, signs, and wonders. Said Paul, in Gal. 4:25, "For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia." Thus, Hagar became the symbolical mother of that church, with Abraham, the father after the flesh, and Ishmael, the symbol of the children from the stock of Abraham. The mother, the father, and the child are the types of Israel after the flesh (perfect symbols, are they not?). Thus, three of the types from section number two met anti-types in section three.
While the passover lamb gave way to Hagar, (symbol of the church under the Jewish economy), it also celebrated the commencement of the ceremonial system, thus section number three became the mother of the ceremonial types. The types themselves are not the true object, no more than a photograph is, but it is a representation which pictures an unmistakable evidence, the object in view. The passover lamb is a perfect type of the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world" (John 1:29).
As the ceremonial section (number three) was ushered in by the typical passover lamb, it also closed with the anti-typical. As type met anti-type, said the apostle, "for even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us" (1 Cor. 5:7), thus, the reign of Hagar as a symbol of the typical church (Israel after the flesh) closed at the cross of Calvary. The putting away of the Old Testament church and her children, is as well symbolized in section number two. Quoting Gal. 4:29-31, "But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: For the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free."
It is evident that Salvation is preached in types as well as by the word. There is a type for every church event and transaction in connection with the gospel of Christ. The termination of these types closed the typical, and ushered in the anti-typical period under which time every type must meet its anti-type.
While the parentage of the Old Testament church is "after the flesh," the New is of the Spirit, therefore Sarah became the symbol of the entire anti-typical period. Paul, writing to this church said, "For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not, break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: For the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband." Abraham is the husband, and an earthly spiritual instead of a fleshly father. As there are three symbolical sections before Christ, there are also three after Christ. Abraham's children by Sarah (Isaac and Jacob), being born by promise, are fitting symbols for the New Testament church.
As Isaac was the firstborn "after the spirit," naturally he must represent the first section, beginning at the cross of Christ. Quoting the words of Paul, he says, "Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise." Gal. 4:28. Isaac, then, represents that section from the cross to 1844, as there has been no other call before. The commencement of each previous section as well as their completion was marked by an important event; just so with the termination of the section represented by Isaac. 1844, is the only fitting time for that section to pass away and usher in the second, at which time the judgment in the heavenly Sanctuary began. Evidently the scroll had to make a turn, and again type met anti-type.
Jacob, being the son of Isaac, naturally comes next in line. Jacob, then, is the symbol of the second section after Christ (as shown on the chart) beginning in 1844. The aim of the church since that time has been to make the 144,000. As Jacob was the father of the twelve tribes of Israel,--the type; just so he is the father in type of the anti-type (the 144,000,--the true). The section represented by Jacob is the only fitting symbolical period to give birth to the 144,000. As soon as this number is made and sealed, this particular section is to pass away and usher in the next.
As there was an important event with each succeeding section (at the close of the one, and beginning of the other), there must be something of no lesser consequence that would make the change of this section with which we have identified ourselves. That important event is none other than the purification of God's church, and the separation of the tares from the wheat. Said Jesus, "Let both grow together until the harvest." The separation will mark the harvest. Note the verb "until," meaning "up to." This most solemn time for the one class (the tares), and glorious for the other (the 144,000), thrusts out the section represented by Jacob, and forwards the other.
Said Jesus, "in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them." The tares, therefore, are gathered just prior to the harvest, and burned in the time of the harvest (for note the prefix "in"). "But gather the wheat into My barn." Matt. 13:30. The wheat represents the 144,000; the "barn" is a symbol of security. This glorious company is saved and protected. Satan cannot harm them. They are to be translated without seeing death. John describes them as "being the firstfruits [of the harvest] unto God and the Lamb."
The tares are taken away by the five men with the slaughter weapons of Ezekiel's vision. This is the event that makes the change, and brings about God's church, in the last probationary section (Israel), as shown on the chart.
It was Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes, whose name was changed to Israel. Jacob's new name is a fitting symbol of the section entitled "Israel." Thus again would type meet anti-type.
It was Jacob, who, in the night, on the way to Padan-Aram had the dream of the great ladder which reached from earth to heaven, and "the angels of God ascended and descended upon it." This vision was a representation of the "Latter Rain," and the "Loud Cry" of the third angel's message in the time of harvest. The ladder, representing Christ; the angels, the messengers; God the Father at one end, and Jacob at the other, meaning a complete connection with heaven and earth.
Though the duration of this last section of probationary time (entitled Israel), is shorter than any of the periods before it, it is to be the most glorious time of God's church. The prophet Isaiah, looking forward to this time, says, "Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean." Never before this time in view, has God's church kept entirely free from the unconsecrated and unconverted (tares: uncircumcised and unclean) in the midst of her, but now the time has come where He must purify His church and keep her as such. Zephaniah, referring to this time, says, "The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies." Zephaniah 3:13.
During this time of "harvest" (the Loud Cry), the third angel's message shall penetrate to the remotest parts of this sin-cursed world. John, pointing to this glorious harvest of ingathering, says, "I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands." Rev. 7:9. God "Will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness." Rom. 9:28. Thus God's church will be made ready to meet her Lord. Isaiah, looking forward to this church reflecting "the Divine", says, "Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God." Isa. 62:3. Glorious is God's church in the day of the Lord.
John, after seeing in vision the finishing work of the church, close of probation, and the judgments of God in the seven last plagues, says, "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them." Rev. 20:11.
The first main section in the chart entitled "Melchizedek" we have reserved for explanation until now. Note the following two main sections entitled "Hagar" and "Sarah" are the sections of church history with earthly parentage, the first being "after the flesh," and the second "after the Spirit," therefore, Hagar and Sarah are fitting symbols for these two main sections, with Abraham as the father. These two sections ("Hagar" and "Sarah") are unlike the first ("Melchizedek, King of Salem") which has none of these symbolical terms. It is a section of church history without earthly symbolical parentage.
In order to meet the divine standard of perfection, both in symbols as well as in figures, for the entire history of God's church, He must provide a fitting symbol for this particular section as He has provided for the two succeeding sections. Whatever that symbol is, it must be the kind to indicate church history without earthly parentage.
Paul gives us the information of the fitting symbol for this section in Heb. 7:1-3,--"For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually." Though we mortals can not comprehend the existence of this man "Melchizedek, King of Salem," it must be true that he is "without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor ending of life," thus making a perfect-fitting symbol of that section of God's church. Again we see God's perfection in perfect symbols for the entire history of His church.
As soon as sin entered in the beginning with the parents of the human family, and before they were driven out from their Eden home, the plans already devised for the return to their original home of eternal abode were made known to them as well as to the serpent. These pre-ordained plans of God are better understood by studying His wonderful divine dealings with the human family onward through the ages as pictured in this chart.
Our God has carried out His predestined plans without variation even to the minutest of details. Said Jesus, "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning Me." Luke 24:44. The Spirit of God led the Psalmist to inscribe the words, "The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies....The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." Psalm 110:2, 4.
Though we cannot comprehend such infinite wisdom, it gives us better understanding of God's love for sinners, and our misconception of so-called human knowledge of things. To the eternal "I AM," who inhabits eternity, before whom the darkness is light, and the remotest boundaries in space His footstool, who sees the end from the beginning, and to whom a thousand years are but as yesterday, all things are open and naked unto Him.
Said the Psalmist, "Whither shall I go from Thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there. If I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: The darkness and the light are both alike to Thee....Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it." Psalm 139:7-12, 6. The wisdom and knowledge of the infinite is beyond comprehension by the finite. The wonders we behold and the events which make the history of our world are but duplicates from the blueprints in heaven.
"Which of you intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him." Luke 14:28, 29. The lesson that can be derived from this scripture is that he who does not check up on his plans and figures is not a wise man, therefore, it would not be wrong for us to suppose that Jesus wants us to check up on Bible truths before we accept them as such.
As God is infallible, all His works spell "perfection" even to "one jot or one tittle." The statement being true, He should have provided a way whereby we may check up and ascertain His truth. This chart (page 224), being the summary of the message this publication bears, should be able to tell whether it proves correct or not. If its contents prove 100% true, we must accept it as God's truth. By all Bible students, numbers "three" and "seven" are accepted to be the Biblical numbers to ascertain Scriptural truths. The Spirit of Prophecy bears witness to this as well as the Bible. "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: And these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: And these three agree in one." 1 John 5:7, 8.
"In the revelation given to him there was unfolded scene after scene of thrilling interest in the experience of the people of God, and the history of the church was foretold to the very close of time. In figures and symbols, subjects of vast importance were presented to John, which he was to record, that the people of God living in his age and in future ages might have an intelligent understanding of the perils and conflicts before them." Acts of the Apostles, page 583. This being so, we shall apply the test on the contents of this book, as pictured in the chart.
Note that there are "three" main sections in the summary chart: namely, (1 ) Melchizedek, the priest of the Most High God; (2) Hagar; (3) Sarah. (I) Melchizedek priest of the Most High God, (II) the Levitical priesthood (III) the priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. Therefore, one priesthood links with another. Now count the sub-sections of probationary time in both before the cross and after. In each division we have "three" sub-sections. Again, count all the sections in both before and after the cross, including the plagues, and we have the number "seven," meaning the end of the world.
Permit us to call your attention this third time to the types. I. The parent types; namely, Abraham (the father); Hagar and Sarah (the mothers) making the number "3." II. The children:--Ishmael, Isaac, and Jacob, making the number "3." III. Jacob's name changed to Israel, Hagar and Ishmael sent away again making the number "3." There is a fourth line of figures to call your attention to. The name "Abraham" contains "seven" letters, meaning complete, or a father for the entire future history of the church. Ishmael also has "7" letters; finished, or ended; meaning he is through; there are none of his descendants to succeed him.
Abraham's name at the time he was called out of Ur (before God added the two extra letters--H and A) spelled with five letters: (Abram). His son, Isaac, and his wives all have the same number of letters in their names. Naturally the question arises, why five? Why not three or seven? Had their names more or less than "5" letters, the picture would have been spoiled. Why? Because the "7" letters of Abraham and the "5" of Hagar make "12" in all,--a symbol of the twelve tribes of Israel after the flesh. Sarah and Abraham also number "12," meaning the twelve tribes of Israel after the Spirit. The same holds good with Isaac and Jacob, also meaning consecutive (one shall succeed the other).
Israel is spelled with six letters. Had this name been more or less it would spoil the picture. Why? Because the six letters indicate the sixth section. Israel the true (the 144,000) are sealed at the close of the fifth section. Had the name been of seven letters, it would denote "close of probation," instead of "beginning of harvest." Israel, in the time of harvest, will receive a new name by the mouth of the Lord. Read Isa. 62:2. Whatever that name may be, we are sure it will be perfect, to finish the picture of probationary time, as well as to indicate the end of all the redeemed, or close of probation. Woe to him who may think all these wonderful designs in the beauty of perfection are just a chance, or an accident. Such a one is denying the Master Mechanic of all creation. He is paying homage to evolution (chance). See chart on page 224.
The second system of checking up on truth is given by Isaiah, the prophet. "To the law and to the testimony: If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isa. 8:20. The contents in this publication are not only in perfect harmony with the text, but it does "exalt" the law and the testimony as well as all the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy.
Third:--The message presented here does not bring any new doctrines, or contradict the ones we have, but it does magnify them by showing their true magnitude and importance. Neither does it call for a new movement but it proves that this same movement would merge into a greater one.
As God foresaw all movements that would arise against, or for His church, He would have pointed out this message either as being false, or true. He foresaw that some movement would arise and claim that the church is "Babylon," so gave us the warning that it was false. Read Testimonies to Ministers, pages 49, 53. Again, God foresaw that some will come and call the ministry "priestcraft," and forewarned us that they are not sent from Him. Read Testimonies to Ministers, page 51. He also foresaw that some will announce the "day and the hour for the second coming of Christ," etc. Thus, God has forewarned the church all the way. Nowhere do we find any prophecy in contradiction against the message presented in this book. It is impossible to find opposition, seeing the entire message is derived from the Bible and the Testimonies, and predicted by them both.
If any should think this message for reformation is false, while he cannot find prophecy against it, would be saying, God has overlooked the danger and has failed to expose the scheme. Therefore, such a one means to say that God knows but little in predicting the future. But the matter of fact is that God knows it all from the beginning to the end. Thus, He has been able to present a message of warning such as this to His people inscribed in advance for thousands of years.
The studies that comprise this volume were first typewritten into a book in manuscript form, which was entitled "The Shepherd's Rod." Thirty-three such copies were given to the leading men (ministerial association) of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination,--brethren of experience, ministers and conference presidents. This was done in order to comply with the instructions given to the church by the Spirit of God. We quote from Volume 5, page 293: "There are a thousand temptations in disguise prepared for those who have the light of truth, and the only safety for any of us is in receiving no new doctrine, no new interpretation of the Scriptures, without first submitting it to brethren of experience. Lay it before them in a humble, teachable spirit with earnest prayer; and if they see no light in it, yield to their judgment; for 'in the multitude of counselors there is safety'."
Though the contents of this book introduces no new doctrines or new interpretation of scriptures that have been accepted by the denomination and divinely approved, we thought it best to submit this light to the ministry first.
These studies were presented in manuscript form to the leaders of this great movement for their inspection while assembled in a General Conference session in San Francisco, Calif., of 1930. It was done with an earnest pleading by the author of the said document. Requesting our dear brethren to investigate the contents in the said article by a close scrutiny, earnest prayer, and faith in Him who is merciful and more willing that we should know that truth of our salvation than we are ourselves; who would reveal His word to all His children and unmask error for the good on both sides.
This appeal was made to God's servants with the request that they should ascertain the new light by God's book of all truth, and whatever their finding or intention with the article, to write us in a brotherly way as searchers for light. This they promised to do at their earliest possible convenience, being assured that whatever truth or error they could prove, by either Bible, or the Spirit of Prophecy, we were ready to accept. We felt certain that they, as shepherds of the flock, would have been earnest to do the right in the fear of the Lord. If they thought we were lead into error, we expected them as guardians of God's heritage to come to our assistance by the Word of God.
Since the document was placed in their hands, and at the time this publication goes to press, over five months have passed by. We now feel they have had ample time to at least write and give us some information in regards to the manuscript and their intention. The elapse of time is an evidence that our brethren have failed to carry out their promise as well as their duty. Evidently these ministers of God and leaders of this great denomination must have overlooked the instructions respecting matters of this kind as given them by the Spirit of Prophecy. "If a brother is teaching error, those who are in responsible positions ought to know it; and if he is teaching truth, they ought to take their stand at his side. We should all know what is being taught among us; for if it is truth, we need to know it." Testimonies to Ministers, page 110.
If they have complied with the requirement quoted above, by an earnest searching in the document presented to them, and found error, their duty is, as representatives of Him who left the ninety-nine and went in search of the one lost sheep, to call on the writer either in person, or by correspondence seeking to make reconciliation for the erring one. Quoting Volume 6, pages 21, 22: "One soul is of more value to heaven than a whole world of property, houses, lands, money."
On the other hand, if they found no error, and yet refuse to make known their intention, even after making the second and the third appeal to our local conference then it is perhaps that they wish to fulfill the following prophecy as found in Testimonies to Ministers, pages 106, 107. "But beware of rejecting that which is truth. The great danger with our people has been that of depending upon men, and making flesh their arm. Those who have not been in the habit of searching the Bible for themselves, or weighing evidence, have confidence in the leading men, and accept the decisions they make; and thus many will reject the very messages God sends to His people, if these leading brethren do not accept them.
"No one should claim that he has all the light there is for God's people. The Lord will not tolerate this. He has said, 'I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.' Even if all our leading men should refuse light and truth, that door will still remain open. The Lord will raise up men who will give the people the message for this time....
"Suppose a brother held a view that differed from yours, and he should come to you, proposing that you sit down with him and make an investigation of that point in the Scriptures; should you rise up, filled with prejudice, and condemn his ideas, while refusing to give him a candid hearing? The only right way would be to sit down as Christians, and investigate the position presented, in the light of God's word, which will reveal truth and unmask error. To ridicule his ideas would not weaken his position in the least if it were false, or strengthen your position if it were true. If the pillars of our faith will not stand the test of investigation, it is time that we knew it. There must be no spirit of Pharisaism cherished among us."
We deeply regret that we should make public this great neglect on the part of our brethren, and their disinterest in the things of God. As a matter of duty on our part, and love for our brethren, and the church of God, we found no solution whereby to avoid publicity of the things written in this chapter, and yet guard against misunderstanding of our attitude in giving out the book. Not that we wish to shun reproach against ourselves, but for the security of God's church wishing to defend those who may be exposed to the attacks of captious critics. Again we quote from Testimonies to Ministers, pg. 300:
"Unless those who can help in------are aroused to a sense of their duty, they will not recognize the work of God when the loud cry of the third angel shall be heard. When light goes forth to lighten the earth, instead of coming up to the help of the Lord, they will want to bind about His work to meet their narrow ideas. Let me tell you that the Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning. There will be those among us who will always want to control the work of God, to dictate even what movements shall be made when the work goes forward under the direction of the angel who joins the third angel in the message to be given to the world. God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness. Those who are accounted good workers will need to draw nigh to God, they will need the divine touch."
Seeing the danger approaching as revealed in "The Shepherd's Rod," we have anxiously waited all these months with the fear that we may wait too long, and thereby fail to sound the alarm as well as to go ahead with the sound of the trumpet before we hear from our brethren. While waiting and praying, a certain scripture was revealed to us, found in Micah 6, which we now bring forth to prove that God has spoken to His people by the written word, giving us the instruction to go ahead without delay and give the trumpet that certain sound.
Though the book of this minor prophet was written many centuries ago, it was intended for the church now, at this very time. It was placed in the Bible (scroll) in the days of ancient Israel, written in such a way that they, too, could gain some profit by it the same as other portions of scriptures that were written directly to the ancient nation and placed in the same scroll for our learning and admonition as expressed in 1 Cor. 10:11, by the great apostle to the Gentiles. But though certain portions of the Scriptures were written as an epistle to ancient Israel, they also would refer to us indirectly, as this advent organization being a duplicate of that ancient movement. However, the book of Micah is written directly to the church at this present time.
Quoting Micah 6:1: "Hear ye now what the Lord saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice." It is a fact that the prophecy of this chapter has never before been understood at any time, and no one has ever profited much from it, only whatever lesson from a certain passage may have been derived in connection with some other study. The question may be asked, Why has it not been understood? Is it that no one ever tried to study out this part of the Scriptures? Doubtless many godly, earnest students have spent much valuable time without any results as far as revealing the truth of the chapter.
The reason for their failure to unmask the prophecy is because it is in present tense. "Hear ye now what the Lord saith, Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice." From this fact, we know that inspiration never expected that it should be revealed before the time intended, otherwise it would have been grammatically incorrect. In the same manner as Rev. 14:7, "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of his judgment is come." Had this scripture been in future tense, William Miller would not have made the mistake as to the event that was to transpire in 1844. He who controls the Scriptures evidently did not intend to reveal the truth until after the judgment hour had begun in 1844. The same rule is to be observed in all Bible truths to establish authoritatively a particular prophetic time.
We have previously stated that this truth came through the Sabbath School department in 1929, in the lessons of the first quarter of that year, beginning with Isaiah 54 to the 66th chapter inclusive. The 54th was the first to reveal that these chapters were written directly to the church at this very time as explained on pages 136-40. In Isa. 58:1 we learned that God is to reveal the existing sins in the church, and thereby call for reformation. We quote the verse: "Cry aloud, spare not lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins."
This scripture now has met its fulfillment. After these existing sins were revealed, these studies were put into writing, the document being entitled "The Shepherd's Rod," and placed in the hands of the leading men of this movement. Thus the "Cry" like a "trumpet" is being sounded. The evidence of the existing sins being made known (shown) to God's people and to the house of Jacob, also showing that Laodiceans have neglected the invitations of the True Witness, therefore, the shame of our nakedness has appeared. "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear, and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." Rev. 3:18.
Now we quote Isa. 60:1, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." Note the verb "come" is in present tense. "Light" is truth. This scripture as well met its fulfillment. Think of the wonderful light that has come through those studies as gathered in this publication. Note that it does not contradict the truth the church already has, but it reveals its true magnitude and importance of the message. But this is only a part of the light that has come through those precious chapters. More light will soon follow in another publication.
The call is, "Arise, shine."...for "the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." It is left to the reader to permit this glorious experience to enter first in his own life, and earnestly arise and shine be ready to meet the opposition from within and without. "God s displeasure is upon his people, and he will not manifest his power in the midst of them while sins exist among them, and are fostered by those in responsible positions. Those who work in the fear of God to rid the church of hindrances, and to correct grievous wrongs, that the people of God may see the necessity of abhorring sin, and may prosper in purity, and that the name of God may be glorified, will ever meet with resisting influences from the unconsecrated." Volume 3, pages 270, 271.
Coming back to Micah 6:1, "Hear ye now what the Lord saith." Note the verb "hear" is in present tense, therefore present truth. But what are we to hear? "Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice." "The mountains" means the same as in Micah 4:1, first part. The only difference between the two is that the latter is singular, but the former is plural. The "mountain" in chapter 4, means God's church (denomination) as explained on page 173, but the "mountains and hills" as in chapter 4:1 (last part) and 6:1, being in plural would mean churches and organizations. In this sense it could not refer to God's church, for He recognizes only one church as His. Also "the hills" being plural would mean sects, or minor movements, etc.
"Let them hear thy voice." The thought that can be derived is this: Our leading men are either taking too long a time, or perhaps never intend to do anything with the new light presented to them in "The Shepherd's Rod," therefore, wait no longer, "Arise now, contend before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice" (make it public). This being so, we were compelled to publish the book and give it out without delay.
But what are the mountains to hear? What will He contend about? The answer is given in the second verse. "Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord's controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: For the Lord hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel." Note they are to hear that the Lord has a controversy with His people, and He will plead with Israel (the 144,000, Israel the true). But how are they to hear? What are the means to carry that voice to the mountains and hills? The answer to this is found in the ninth verse.
"The Lord's voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: Hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it." Micah 6:9. Note it is the Lord's voice. The voice is crying in the "city." (City, or Jerusalem are symbols of God's church the same as "mountain," the difference between the symbols being that "mountain" means the entire denomination, but "city" means the leading part of that body.) By what means is the Lord's voice crying in the city (church)? The last part of the verse answers the question: "Hear ye the rod." To hear a rod, it must be the kind that can speak.
The only rod God's people have ever been asked to hear is this "Shepherd's Rod." At the time we gave the name to this book, we knew nothing about the prophecies in the book of Micah, neither did we know this passage was there. We mean to say it is not any of our knowledge of this particular scripture that compelled us to name the book by that title, but we feel it was done by the same divine providence that brought about the entire truth, in order to fulfill the scripture. See also explanation on page 95, under the heading "The Shepherd's Rod."
Again, note "The men of wisdom shall see thy name." The wisdom mentioned is not that which the world can give, but a heavenly one. Douay version reads as follows: "And salvation [wisdom] shall be to them that fear [see] thy name: hear, O ye tribes." The same thought is brought over in the seventh chapter, verse 14. "Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the midst of Carmel: Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old." "Feed thy people with thy rod:" The verb "feed" is to be understood as spiritual food, and that food (truth) is found in the "Rod," therefore we again have the command to give out the book ("Feed thy [God's] people)." Carmel, Bashan, and Gilead are used as symbols of good spiritual pasture. These places are where Israel had their victories. Mount Carmel is where Elijah had his experience with the backslidden Israel in the days of Ahab. It was in Carmel where he (Elijah) brought the fire from heaven which consumed the sacrifice upon the altar, after which he slew the prophets of Baal.
We quote Micah 7:15: "According to the days of thy coming out of the land of Egypt will I shew unto him marvelous things." Note that Micah also as well as Isaiah, declares that God's people (spiritual Israel) are to experience an experience similar to that of the Exodus movement, as explained in Section 4. Again, note in carrying out the Exodus movement, God said to Moses, "And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs....and Moses took the rod of God in his hand." Ex. 4:17, 20. It was by the power in the "rod of God" that Israel came out of Egypt. This advent movement being a duplicate of the one in Egypt, and of the Exodus, we again have "the rod of God."
It is wonderful to note the inspiration of the Scriptures. Perfect they are when their appointed time is come. Only at such an occasion are the Scriptures grammatically correct. We can not take up the entire chapters at this present time, but with the information already given, one can mark out the meaning of every verse with a little studious effort on his part. Read the sixth and seventh chapters and note that past, present, and future tense are in perfect grammatical order when the events are properly understood. Observe the same rule in Micah the fourth chapter as explained on pages 173-81. This is one of the rules to detect present truth. It would be impossible for us to publish in this volume all of the light that has come to us through these studies, but we hope to have them soon in another volume.
IT is evident that the message presented in this publication is not a message to create a new movement, but a message for a change to true godliness. Calling God's people back to His precepts, commandments, and statutes by a strict obedience to His Word to prepare us to meet our God and escape the ruin.
In the days of ancient Israel, God's people departed a number of times from His divine plan, which made it necessary for Him to send messages of warning by His servants, the prophets. These solemn warnings were hardly ever heeded by the ancient nation. Nevertheless those faithful servants of God performed their duty with great care. Though their lives were at stake, their message of love unappreciated, were cruelly abused by the once chosen people. Those faithful servants of God dared not start a movement of their own. Their duty was to deliver the message, and leave the results with Him who is able to handle the situation. Thus it will be now. "There will be a series of events revealing that God is master of the situation." Volume 9, page 96.
Those who receive this message are to arise from their spiritual feebleness to true godly repentance. They are to arise quietly, but openly, to present the truth to their brothers and sisters in the church, with zeal and earnestness in the fear of the Lord doubting nothing, leaving the results with God.
"When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?" Eze. 33:8-10.
The Spirit of Prophecy, speaking in view of the events predicted in this publication says, "Those who walk in the light will see signs of the approaching peril; but they are not to sit in quiet, unconcerned expectancy of the ruin, comforting themselves with the belief that God will shelter his people in the day of visitation. Far from it. They should realize that it is their duty to labor diligently to save others, looking with strong faith to God for help." Volume 5, page 209.
"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." Isa. 58:1.
Since all who had a message of truth had to suffer persecution in ages past, it must be expected now. The enemy of all righteousness, by the human tool in the garb of religion, has opposed God's truth in every step of the way. The death of Abel by the cruel hands of his brother, Cain, was a signal to all followers of truth that persecution was to arise against them by their own brothers in the church. Thus, it has been up to our own day.
The shrewd enemy is too wise to oppose truths and doctrines already accepted to be true, but he will lead men to neglect the principles upon which that truth was established, and step by step supply the lack with human wisdom, thus leading the church into spiritual darkness. Ministers in this state of spiritual condition cannot discern the importance of strict obedience to God's Word. Their congregation is made to feel that their Christian experience is excellent, and the people are lead to trust in human wisdom (accept their decision), instead of searching truth for themselves, with faith in God. "Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord." Jer. 17:5.
Membership is granted to most all who wish to join the church with but little investigation as to their faith and acceptance of the entire truth. Thus, the unconsecrated of heart creep into the church and by their influence lead others to sin. This continual practice rapidly increases the number of the unfaithful, while the devoted followers of Christ grow fewer and fewer. When light of truth comes, and a call for reformation, the leaders, being blinded with spiritual darkness, rise against the heavenly call. Declaring they have all the truth, and are in need of none, though down in their heart they know it is God's truth, they condemn the message and the messenger like ancient Israel, because it reproves their ungodly deeds. The unconsecrated in heart do not care to investigate for themselves, but accept the decisions of the leaders. The result is that the faithful few are thrown out by a majority vote, while the old devil triumphs with victory. This is especially true in our time, beginning with the Lutheran church, and up the line. William Miller and Miss Harmon were treated in like manner. God allowed this continual practice of robbing God's people of their church properties, and forcing them to start a new movement, but He will not allow it now.
Speaking of the opposition Luther was compelled to encounter, the Spirit of Prophecy says, "In the power of the Holy Spirit he cried out against the existing sins of the leaders of the church; and as he met the storm of opposition from the priests, his courage failed not; for he firmly relied upon the strong arm of God, and confidently trusted in Him for victory." Early Writings, page 223. "As the opposition rises to a fiercer height, the servants of God are again perplexed; for it seems to them that they have brought the crisis. But conscience and the Word of God assure them that their course is right; and although the trials continue, they are strengthened to bear them." Great Controversy, page 610. Said Jesus, "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: For great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Matt. 5:11, 12. Note:--The prophets were persecuted, and not the priests.
When the truth is told in clear lines it will reveal sin and condemn the guilty conscience of the sinner. Though the messenger, to the exposure of persecution and scoffing, even endangering his life, declares the truth with love to save, the sinner will often arise against a friend of his soul. Said the prophet "Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul." Eze. 33:9.
The following accusations may be raised and are expected to be met. Some may say, You are speaking evil, finding fault, and bringing accusations. But the matter of fact is that he who bears a message from heaven to a guilty sinner cannot be charged with any of the above-stated charges. The responsibility is not his who bears the message, but God's, who sends the message. He who speaks evil against the messenger is speaking evil against God to his own hurt.
Some may say, You are not ordained to the ministry, and it is not your business, but He who has a message does not have to be ordained by the hands of men to deliver the message no more than did Amos. He who sends the message is greater than he who is ordained by the hands of men. Amos was only a herdsman, but when God called him, and charged him with a message to deliver to kings and priests of ancient Israel, he declined not but obeyed the voice of God and delivered the message. (Amos 1:1). Is God bound by the strings of men? Jeremiah also was only a child when God called him. Though he thought himself incapable to bear the responsibility the Lord said, "Say not, I am a child: For thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak." Jer. 1:7.
Men who think their office puts them in the place of Moses and Aaron are making a great mistake. Such men cannot be either one of them. No man can take the place of Moses for he is neither dead nor dumb. The Bible is Moses. Jesus said, "Let them hear Moses and the prophets." Aaron is a type of Christ, therefore, he who thinks he is in the place of those two great leaders is throwing aside the authority of the Bible, and Christ the Priest. He who would claim such authority is placing himself in the position of Korah. See Numbers 16; and 26:10. And the end thereof shall be a bitter end.
Dear brethren and sisters --We beg of you in the name of Christ your Saviour, be true to God as were His great men in the ages past. We call your attention to Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Think of how firm these men stood for true religious principle to please God. They risked their lives, but refused to blow to idolatry. As God rewarded them for their faith, He will reward you with life that will measure with the life of God. Refuse to stumble over the stumbling blocks of others. We refer you to the experience of nominal Christians in the early advent movement, as recorded in the writings by the Spirit of Prophecy. We quote from Great Controversy, page 380:
"But the churches generally did not accept the warning. Their ministers, who, as 'watchmen unto the house of Israel,' should have been the first to discern the tokens of Jesus' coming, had failed to learn the truth, either from the testimony of the prophets or from the signs of the times. As worldly hopes and ambitions filled the heart, love for God and faith in His word had grown cold; and when the advent doctrine was presented, it only aroused their prejudice and unbelief. The fact that the message was, to a great extent, preached by laymen, was urged as an argument against it. As of old, the plain testimony of God's word was met with the inquiry 'Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed?' And finding how difficult a task it was to refute the arguments drawn from the prophetic periods, many discouraged the study of the prophecies, teaching that the prophetic books were sealed, and were not to be understood. Multitudes, trusting implicitly to their pastors, refused to listen to the warning; and others, though convinced of the truth, dared not confess it, lest they should be 'put out of the synagogue.' The message which God had sent for the testing and purification of the church, revealed all too surely how great was the number who had set their affections on this world rather than upon Christ. The ties which bound them to earth were stronger than the attractions heavenward. They chose to listen to the voice of worldly wisdom, and turned away from the heart-searching message of truth."
Said Jesus, "remember Lot's wife." Escape for your life for the elements used on Sodom are to be used in this wicked world at the present time. Compare this message with the Bible and the Testimonies. Do not consent to the decisions of others, but study for yourself. "When a message is presented to God's people, they should not rise up in opposition to it; they should go to the Bible, comparing it with the law and the testimony, and if it does not bear this test, it is not true." Testimonies to Ministers, page 119.
No one should fear or be backward to declare this message right from the Seventh-day Adventist pulpit, for it is pure Seventh-day Adventist doctrine, calling God's people back to the principles upon which this great denomination was established. Some will object and try to put a stop to it while they can not explain the Scriptures in another way. But he who takes the burden to carry the message, must insist and be faithful to conduct his studies.
In the days of Christ His disciples stood firm to their right and declared the risen Saviour in the temple. The spiritually-blinded guides ordered them out, but they came back again, and again this was repeated, until the impious Pharisees threw them in jail. By a miracle they were let out and immediately they returned to the temple, and again preached the supposedly strange doctrine in spite of the opposition. Such persistence as this to save their brothers and sisters from the impending doom is called by the enemies of Christ "rebellion," even using Scripture to prove their accusations true. But the matter of fact is, he who is persistent to perform his duty to his God, for the good of his brethren, is not the guilty one. He who would resent the message from heaven is a rebel in the sight of the great God. The office or position of such a one does not clear him any more than it cleared the proud Pharisee in the rabbinical cloak. Though some may point to his own office of authority it will not excuse him, neither will it condemn the messenger of God. Many other excuses and charges will be presented, but he who does the service of the Most High need not be distracted in any way, but go forward in his duty with faith in God to save his brethren from the impending doom. The Spirit of Prophecy, in view of this message says: "Should a case like Achan's be among us, there are many who would accuse those who might act the part of Joshua in searching out the wrong, of having a wicked, fault-finding spirit." Volume 3, p. 270.
In case some one's name should be taken off the church books for carrying on the message, do not be discouraged in any way but press onward as though nothing has happened. Pay your honest tithe and offering to your church, and feel like "IT IS" your Father's house. Continue your work of reform with as many as you can possibly interest. Your membership on the church books is only a church record and the only loss or damage one can suffer from the absence of one's name on such record is that he can not serve as an officer, or have anything to say in matters of church business. Those who are looking for the soon coming of Christ do not wish to serve in office, if their service is not desired by the church. Those who push themselves forward to obtain such a position show their motive to be wrong, and that their heart is not right with God. To retain your name on the church book at the expense of principle would not take you to heaven, neither would the absence of it from such a record bar you from the Holy City.
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" Isa. 52:7.
"Many are tempted in regard to our work, and are calling it in question. Some in their tempted condition charge the difficulties and perplexities of the people of God to the testimonies of reproof that we have given them. They think the trouble is with the ones who bear the message of warning, who point out the sins of the people and correct their errors. Many are deceived by the adversary of souls....They think that the people of God are not in need of plain dealing and of reproof, but that God is with them....What disposition will these make of the message of the True Witness to the Laodiceans? There can be no deception here. This message must be borne to a lukewarm church by God's servants. It must arouse his people from their security and dangerous deception in regard to their real standing before God. This testimony if received, will arouse to action, and lead to self-abasement and confession of sins...
"The people of God must see their wrongs, and arouse to zealous repentance, and a putting away of those sins which have brought them into such a deplorable condition of poverty, blindness, wretchedness, and fearful deception. I was shown that the pointed testimony must live in the church. This alone will answer to the message to the Laodiceans. Wrongs must be reproved, sin must be called sin, and iniquity must be met promptly and decidedly, and put away from us as a people." Volume 3, pages 258-260.
"Arise, shine;
For thy light has come,
And the glory of the Lord
Is risen upon thee."
"But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming, and shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites." Matt. 24:48-51.
As Adventists, we are taught by the above text that it does not refer only to being drunk with wine, but also with feasting. We can also be made drunk with the cares of this life. See Luke 21:34. This latter text tells us also that we must take heed lest at any time our hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, thereby becoming "that evil servant who shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth His coming."
As a member of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, and the mother of three children, it has been my determination to train these children which God has given me in such a way that they might be faithful to God and His truth. It is a great trial to keep them from partaking of the so-called pleasures of the world, and thereby from the spirit of the world, that they might not be misled in their conception of what God desires of us as His faithful children. The task is not an easy one, and the responsibility no less. It is in nowise lessened by taking part with those of the world.
In view of the warning given us in the Scriptures, it doesn't seem consistent that such programmes as the following should be sponsored by the faculty if we are to interest our children and young people in the plain, pointed teachings of our Saviour. Young minds naturally do not grasp the serious side of life, and with the numerous dates and events which are ever kept before them in this manner, it makes it difficult for them to be interested in striving "to enter in at the strait gate." Luke 13:24; Matt. 7:13.
The following are some of the events copied from "Weekly Bulletin" under dates of Nov. 14, and Nov. 21, 1930, and issued by one of our leading institutions in Los Angeles.
Association News
The Interscholastic Faculty-Alumni Swimming Meet:...The big feature of the evening was a diving exhibition by Georgia Coleman, Women's national diving champion ....
November Supper Club: This promises to be another treat. A trio and reader from the Girl's Glee Club of U.S.C. will be a big feature. Bill Hunter, Director of Athletics at U.S.C. will give us a short talk on sportsmanship. Get your tickets early.
Coming Events
Nov. 24: Supper Club.
Nov. 25: Juniors vs. Employees Baseball Game.
Nov. 28: Matched Play Golf Tournament at Montebello Park.
Dec. 2: Faculty vs. Employees Baseball Game.
Dec. 9: Faculty vs. Juniors Baseball Game, 7:00.
Employees 1st team vs. Employees 2nd team, 5:00.
Dec. 16: Seniors vs. Juniors Baseball Game.
Dec. 21-26: Holiday Cabin Party Big Bear Lake.
Health Lecture, Y.M.C.A......................Friday, 8:00 P.M.
Faculty-Interscholastic Matched Play Golf tournament: Friday morning, November 28....
The faculty-senior baseball game last Tuesday resulted in a score of 3-13. This however, does not rightly represent the closeness of the contest as compared to previous engagements. A few more games and the faculty will be holding its own provided however, H___ S___ and W____ (do not slug too many home runs. H___ holds the record so far,...
The Spirit of Prophecy, commenting on baseball, etc. says, "I was told by my Guide: 'Look ye, and behold the idolatry of My people, to whom I have been speaking, rising up early, and presenting to them their dangers. I looked that they should bring forth fruit.' There were some who were striving for the mastery, each trying to excel the other in the swift running of their bicycles. There was a spirit of strife and contention among them as to which should be the greatest. The spirit was similar to that manifested in the baseball games on the college ground. said my Guide: 'These things are an offense to God. Both near and afar off souls are perishing for the bread of life and the water of salvation'." Volume 8, page 52.
Why take the young people to the Y.M.C.A. on Friday night to give them a health lecture? Could it not be given in our own buildings? Why this tournament of the Golf Club on Friday morning? Are we not told in the Scriptures that Friday is the preparation day for the Sabbath instead of a day of pleasure? As a rule, if one makes the proper preparation, there is not much time to be lost.
There may be no objection to swimming, but what effect will this champion's skill and the athletic directors talk on "Sportsmanship" have on the youth? Will it create a greater desire to serve Christ?
How can we as mothers keep our children apart from the world if the faculty take them to these institutions of the world, where they acquaint them with every element? Are we abiding by the principles upon which this denomination was founded? "For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord." 2 Cor. 6:16, 17.
In view of this onrushing torrent of apostasy headed by misled spiritual guides, in my estimation, the leopard beast of Rev. 13:1-3, has met a most striking fulfillment of symbolical prophecy--"all the world wondered after the beast." The world in general has always been after the beast. For this reason the world is in need of the gospel, but when God makes the statement "ALL the world wondered after the beast," then it must be that those to whom God has given great light have partaken of the spirit of the world, thus fulfilling the prophecy.
Bearing in mind our duty to the world and
the third angel's message truly the burden on my heart for the children
and young people is a heavy one. I appeal to every loyal Seventh-day Adventist
to arise with prayer and fasting against these so-called pleasures of the
age, to save our children while the devil is seeking to deceive even the
very elect.