Heavenly Visions- 1

JOHN NORTON LOUGHBOROUGH

THE SPIRIT OF PROMISE

THE Spirit of God is called the "Spirit of promise." In the Ephesian letter the apostle says: "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." Eph.1:13,14.

This is called "that Holy Spirit of promise," because it is the Spirit which the Lord promised to send upon his believing people. In the prophecy of Joel, we find the promise of the Father in these words: "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; . . . and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit." Joel 2:28,29.

As our Saviour was about to ascend to heaven, he referred to this promise, as follows: "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." Luke 24:49. Reference is made to this promise in Acts: "And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. [He was probably referring to what he had said respecting the sending of the Comforter.] For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." Acts 1:4,5. Again, in the second chapter: "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Verse 4. Of this wonderful manifestation of the Spirit, we read still further: "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, said God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh." Acts 2:16,17. Again, in the same chapter: "Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." Verse 33.

In the same discourse Peter's words show conclusively that this promise of the Spirit is not confined to the time of those apostles, but that it extends to the very end of probationary time: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." Acts 2:38,39.

Alexander Campbell, one of the founders of the Disciple denomination, in his work on baptism, says of this promise: "The promise is expressly said by Peter to be the promise of the Holy Spirit, which is extended to all that are `near', and `afar off'. . . . The gift of the Holy Ghost is the immediate antecedent to the promise, as any one may see from the slightest attention to the passage." - "Campbell on Baptism," edition of 1853, page 383.

Mc Garvey, a commentator of the same denomination, says: "That we are right in referring the word `promise' in this sentence to the promise of the Holy Ghost, just made by Peter, is evident from the fact that this is the only promise made in the immediate context." - Mc Garvey, on Acts 2:29.

From the reading of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we see clearly that by the expression "afar off" he refers to the Gentiles. So, then, the promise of the Holy Spirit is for the people all through the Gentile dispensation. We read: "At that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ....Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." Eph.2:12,13,19. Review and Herald, Jan. 3, 1899.

MIND OF THE SPIRIT. - NO.1.

THOSE who are led by the Spirit of God, having the mind of the Spirit, will be in harmony and union with one another. They are exhorted thus to be. Said Paul, when writing to the Corinthians: "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." 1Cor.1:10. Writing to the Philippians, he said: "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in the lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man in his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Phil.2:1-5.

To preserve such harmony the Scriptures plainly teach that there must be free counsel with one another. The wise man said: "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Prov.11:14. Again: "For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counselors there is safety." Prov.24:6. Also: "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established." Prov.15:22. In the work of the Lord we are directed for help to One who is "the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts is his name, great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men." Jer.32:18,19.

To the Ephesians, Paul said: "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Eph.4:1-3. To the Roman brethren he said: "Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God." Rom.15:5-7.

From the beginning of the third angel's message, the Lord, through the Testimonies, has given counsel in harmony with these scriptures. The following quotations are from some of these. One given in 1851 reads:-

I saw that the shepherds should consult those in whom they have reason to have confidence, - those who have been in all the messages, and are firm in all the present truth. . . .Then the shepherds will be perfectly united, and the union of the shepherds will be felt by the church. -" "Early writings", Experience and Views, page 52.

Another, published in 1853, says:-

The Lord has shown that gospel order has been too much feared and neglected. Formality should be shunned; but in so doing, order should not be neglected. There is order in heaven. There was order in the church when Christ was upon earth. And after the departure, order was strictly observed among its apostles. And now in these last days while God is bringing his children into the unity of the faith, there is more real need of order than ever before; for, as God unites his children, Satan and his evil angels are very busy to prevent this unity and to destroy it. - Id., Supplement to Experience and Views, page 12.

Again we read:-

Said he [the angel], "The church must flee to God's word, and become established upon gospel order, which has been overlooked and neglected." This is indispensably necessary to bring the church into the unity of the faith. I saw that the church was in danger in the apostles' day of being imposed upon and deceived by false teachers. . . . I saw that we are no more secure from false teachers now than they were in the apostles' days; and, if we do no more, we should take as special measures as they did to secure the peace, harmony, and union of the flock. - Id., pages 15, 16. Review and Herald, Feb 7, 1899.

MIND OF THE SPIRIT. - NO. 2.

THE following testimony was published in 1855:-

There is too much of an independence of spirit indulged in among the messengers. This must be laid aside, and there must be a drawing together of the servants of God. There has been too much of a spirit to ask, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Said the angel: "Yea, thou art thy brother's keeper. Thou shouldst have a watchful care for thy brother, be interested for his welfare, and cherish a kind, loving spirit toward him. Press together, press together." - "Testimonies for the Church," Vol.I, pages 113, 114\.

Published testimony of 1858 reads:-

God is leading out a people, not a few separate individuals, here and there, one believing in this thing, another that. Angels of God are doing the work committed to their trust. The third angel is leading out and purifying a people, and they should move with him unitedly. Some run ahead of the angels that are leading this people; but they have to retrace every step, and meekly follow no faster than the angels lead. I saw that the angels of God would lead his people no faster than they could receive and act upon the important truths that are communicated to them. But some restless spirits do not more than half do up their work. As the angel leads them, they get in haste for something new, and rush on without divine guidance, and thus bring confusion and discord into the ranks. They do not speak or act in harmony with the body.- Id., page 207.

Again, from Testimonies of 1860:-

As we near the close of time, Satan comes down with great power, knowing that his time is short. Especially will his power be exercised upon the remnant. He will war against them, and seek to divide and scatter them, that they may grow weak and be overthrown. The people of God should move understandingly, and should be united in their efforts. They should be of the same mind, of the same judgment; then their efforts will not be scattered, but will tell forcibly in the upbuilding of the cause of present truth. Order must be observed, and there must be union in maintaining order, or Satan will take the advantage. . .

Much evil will be avoided if the ministers of Christ will be of one mind, united in their plans of action, and united in effort. If they will stand together, sustain one another, and faithfully reprove and rebuke wrong, they will soon cause it to wither. --Id., pages 210-213.

Lastly, from Testimonies of 1868:-

The more closely we imitate the harmony and order of the angelic host, the more successful will be the efforts of these heavenly agents in our behalf. If we see no necessity for harmonious action, and are disorderly, undisciplined, and disorganized, in our course of action, angels, who are thoroughly organized and move in perfect order, can not work for us successfully. They turn away in grief, for they are not authorized to bless confusion, distraction, and disorganization. . . . Never, never will these heavenly messengers place their indorsement upon irregularity, disorganization and disorder. All these evils are the result of Satan's efforts to weaken our forces, to destroy courage, and to prevent successful action.

Satan well knows that success can only attend order and harmonious action. He well knows that everything connected with heaven is in perfect order, and subjection and thorough discipline mark the movements of the angelic host. . . .

The travels of the children of Israel are faithfully described; the deliverance which the Lord wrought for them, their perfect organization and special order, their sin in murmuring against Moses and thus against God, their transgressions, their rebellions, their punishments, their carcasses strewn in the wilderness, because of their unwillingness to submit to God's wise arrangements, - this faithful picture is hung up before us as a warning lest we follow their example of disobedience, and fall like them. . . .

Has God changed from a God of order? - No; he is the same in the present dispensation as in the former. Paul says, "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace." He is as particular now as then, and he designs that we should learn lessons of order and organization from the perfect order instituted in the days of Moses, for the benefit of the children of Israel. - Id, pages 649-653. Review and Herald, February 14, 1899.

NO SCHISM IN THE BODY. - No.1.

"GOD hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." 1Cor.12:24-27.

Of the union and harmony that should exist in the church, "Testimony for the Church," No.31, published in 1882, says:-

Union is strength; division is weakness. When those who believe present truth are united, they exert a telling influence. Satan well understands this. Never was he more determined than now to make of none effect the truth of God, by causing bitterness and dissension among the Lord's people. The world is against us, the popular churches are against us, the laws of the land will soon be against us. If there was ever a time when the people of God should press together, it is now.. . . .

With what care should we seek so to present the truth that others, by beholding its beauty and simplicity, may be led to receive it! If our characters testify of its sanctifying power, we shall be a continual light to others, - living epistles, known and read of all men. We can not afford now to give place to Satan by cherishing disunion, discord, and strife.

That union and love might exist among his disciples, was the burden of our Saviour's last prayer for them prior to his crucifixion. . . . "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." - Pages 232,233.

Paul writes to the Galatians: "I would they were even cut off which trouble you. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." - Id.,page 239.

The apostle adds a caution to the independent and self-confident: "If a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. . . . Every man shall bear his own burden." He who considers himself superior in judgment and experience to his brethren, and despises their counsel and admonition, evinces that he is in a dangerous delusion. The heart is deceitful. He should test his character and life by the Bible standard. God's word sheds an unerring light upon the pathway of man's life. Notwithstanding the many influences which arise to divert and distract the mind, those who honestly seek God for wisdom will be guided into the right course. - Id., page 243.

Instruction given in 1885 says:-

Organization and discipline are essential but there is now very great danger of a departure from the simplicity of the gospel of Christ. What we need is less dependence upon mere form and ceremony, and far more of the power of true godliness. - Id., No.32, page 217 Review and Herald, Feb. 21, 1899.

NO SCHISM IN THE BODY. - NO. 2.

SOME of the "restless spirits," after reading the instruction quoted in the preceding article, began to claim that the order that had been carried out among this people was now to be set aside, and every one would be at liberty to go about as he pleased. Not so; the work of the Spirit and true godliness would be in perfect accord with the order that had already been established by the Lord in leading his people. Indeed, the very next instruction received from this source, published in 1889, spoke on that very line:-

Let each who claims to follow Christ esteem himself less, and others more. Press together, press together! In union there is strength and victory; in discord and division there is weakness and defeat. These words have been spoken to me from heaven. As God's ambassador, I speak them to you. Let every one seek to answer the prayer of Christ - "That they may all be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee." O, what unity is this! and, says Christ, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." - "Testimony for the Church," No. 33, page 16.

One point will have to be guarded, and that is individual independence. As soldiers in Christ's army, thee should be concert of action in the various departments of the work. . . . Followers of Jesus Christ will not act independently one of another. Our strength must be in God, and it must be husbanded, to be put forth in noble, concentrated action. It must not be wasted in meaningless movements. In union there is strength. . . No strife or variance should exist among the workers. The work is one, superintended by one Leader. Occasional and spasmodic efforts have done harm. However energetic they may be, they are of little value; for the reaction will surely come. We must cultivate a steady perseverance, continually searching to know and do God's will. - Id.,pages 62, 63.

One good place to search for the Lord's will is in the instruction he has given us as to the best manner of working; and just here my eye rests upon words published in 1876:-

Many want to do things after their own style; they object to consultation, and are impatient under leadership. Well-matured plans are needed in the service of God. Common sense is an excellent thing in the worship of the Lord. The thinking powers should be consecrated to Christ, and ways and means should be devised to serve him best. - "Testimony for the Church," Vol.IV, page 71.

As to whether order is to be laid aside, as the work advances, we get some strong expression in "Gospel Workers:" --

The laborers should counsel together. No one is to strike out on his independent judgment, and work according to his own mind, regardless of the counsel of those connected with him. If we think ourselves sufficient to manage the work of God, and depend for success on our own wisdom to plan and execute, we may expect defeats and losses; for they will surely come. - page 355.

In a Testimony published in the REVIEW of Oct. 24, 1893, we read:-

We should present to the world a united front, and make it manifest that we are one in Christ Jesus, one with the brethren, bound in covenant relation, under obligation to answer the prayer of Christ to be one in him, as he is one with the Father. Then we can counsel together because the love of Christ is in our hearts, we can pray one for another, and claim the promises of God. We could then feel secure in the love of our brethren, and know that upon turning our back, we would not be stabbed with some evil report or judgment.

The Lord changes not. His word is not Yea and Nay. What he has been teaching his people for the last forty-five years, relative to order, counsel, and harmonious action in our work, is not now to be laid aside. The articles in the REVIEW for Aug. 7 and 14, 1894, which some interpreted as discarding church order, if carefully examined, will be seen to be in perfect harmony with all previous teaching of the Testimonies on those lines. While each one is admonished to "seek the Lord" for himself, and "for divine guidance," yet all are to move in harmonious order. It may be well to examine some of the statements made in those articles:-

To every man is given his work, and every man must do his own thinking and planning, in order that the work may be done in such a manner as to meet the approval of God. The worker must not be bound about too much with reproofs and commands; for God is his Master, and if he looks to him for wisdom, his prayer will be answered. God will give him his own experience, that will not have its foundation in any human being, but in the living God.

That this instruction was not designed to exclude order, counsel, and comparing of ideas among brethren, is apparent from another paragraph in the same article, which reads:-

While brethren should counsel together at special seasons, yet they should individually seek for higher counsel than that heard in the assembly." Review and Herald, February 28, 1899.

LET YOUR MODERATION BE KNOWN. - No. 1.

In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul says: "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand." Phil.4:5.

If ever there was a time when the people of God should move with calm discretion, it is now, when we are nearing the great day of the Lord, amid the perils of the last days. In "Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers," No. 3, published July 23, 1895, are these words bearing upon this line of thought:-

It is not the will of God that any of his servants should move hastily and take short-sighted views. He would have them wait patiently, and manifest due consideration. Every movement should be made with judicious thoughtfulness, and after much prayer. Then our brethren will have a more even, tranquil experience, and will be able to be a greater benefit to the people; for the glory of the Lord will be their reward. Our only safety will be found in constantly seeking wisdom from God, in carefully weighing every matter with much fear and trembling, lest there should be brought into the work not the light of heaven, but the weakness of man. But the Lord has promised to give light to those who seek him with the whole heart. If we will but wait patiently and prayerfully upon God, and not follow our own impetuous plans, he will guide our decisions, and open many doors of hope and labor. The great General of armies will lead in every battle for the advancement of his cause. He will be the guide of his people in the perilous conflicts in which they have to engage, if the under-leaders and under-shepherds will do their appointed work, and listen to the voice which says, "This is the way, walk ye in it;" "he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness." What a great comfort this promise should be to us! We may walk in the light, as He is in the light. Let the men to whom God has entrusted great responsibilities, be perfectly sure that they are following their great Leader, even Christ, and are not moving under the impulse of their own natural tempers. - Pages 44,45.

The following good thoughts upon the subject of united, careful, harmonious action, are from "Christian Education:" -

Evil does not result because of organization, but because of making organization everything, and vital godliness of little moment. When form and machinery take the pre-eminence, and a laborious task is made of carrying on the work that should be done with simplicity, evil will result, and little will be accomplished in proportion to the effort put forth. The object of organization is just the reverse of this and should we disorganize, it would be like tearing down that which we have built up. Evil results have been seen, both in the Sabbath-school work, and in the missionary society, because of making much of machinery, while vital experience was lost sight of. . .

But although these difficulties exist, will it abolish them to put an end to organization? I am sure that the Lord has wrought in the organization that has been perfected, and the fact that there are discouraging features in the work should not be thought a sufficient reason for disorganization. Much light was given to us in reference to the organization of churches, and yet we had a hard battle to fight in perfecting organization; but the victory was gained at last, and now shall the church be disorganized because of indifference, formality, and pride? Shall we go back to disorder because unconsecrated members of the church have placed upon the work the mold of man, and sought to fashion the church to meet the popular standard? - Pages 134-136.

Again, upon the same subject we read:-

O, how Satan would rejoice to get in among this people, and disorganize the work at a time when thorough organization is essential, and will be the greatest power to keep out spurious uprisings, and to refute claims not indorsed by the word of God! We want to hold the lines evenly, that there shall be no breaking down of the system of regulation and order. In this way, license will not be given to disorderly elements to control the work at this time. We are living at a time when order, system, and unity of action are most essential. And the truth must bind us together like strong cords, in order that no distracted efforts may be witnessed among the workers. If disorderly manifestations appear, we must have clear discernment to distinguish the spurious from the genuine. Let no messages be proclaimed until they have borne a careful scrutiny in every jot and tittle. - Pages 60, 61. Review and Herald, March 7, 1899.

LET YOUR MODERATION BE KNOWN. - NO. 2.

THE question may arise, Why this plain talk, as if some one was objecting to church order? Who has tried to tear it down? - Some one has, for before me is a Testimony upon this subject, which reads:-

E----has entertained ideas; and without waiting to bring his ideas before a council of brethren, he has advocated strange theories. He has brought before some of the people, ideas in regard to organization that ought never to have had expression. I supposed that the question of organization was settled forever, with those who believe the Testimonies given through Sister White. Now if they believe these matters, why do they work contrary to them? Why should not my brethren be prudent enough to place these matters before me, or at least to inquire if I had any light upon these subjects? Why is it that these things start up at this time when we have canvassed the matter in previous histories, and God has spoken upon these subjects? Should not that be enough? Why not keep steadily at work in the lines that God has given us? Why not walk in the clear light he has revealed; and in place of tearing to pieces that which God has built up, work on the side of Jesus Christ?

My soul is much burdened; for I know what is before us. Every conceivable deception will be brought to bear upon those who have not a daily, living connection with God. In our work, no side issues must be advanced until there has been a thorough examination of the ideas entertained, that it may be ascertained from what source they have originated. Satan's angels are wise to do evil; and they will create that which some will claim to be advanced light, and proclaim as new and wonderful things; and yet while in some respects the message is truth, it will be mingled with men's inventions, and will teach for doctrine the commandments of men. If there was ever a time when we should watch and pray in real earnest, it is now. There may be supposable things that appear as good things, and yet they need to be carefully considered with much prayer: for they are specious devices of the enemy to lead souls in a path which lies so close to the path of truth that it will be scarcely distinguishable from the path which leads to holiness and heaven. But the eye of faith may discern that it is diverging from this right path, though almost imperceptibly. At first it may be thought positively right; but after a while it is seen to be widely divergent from the path of safety, the path that leads to holiness and heaven. - Dated, Jan. 14, 1894.

In the light of such instruction relative to dangers as we near the end, we can surely see the force of the apostle's admonition to let our "moderation be known;" also that of Solomon, "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established." Prov. 4:26. Review and Herald, March 14, 1899.

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