“Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall.”
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 1)
The Roman governor was called from his bedchamber in haste, and he determined to do his work as quickly as possible. He was prepared to deal with the prisoner with magisterial severity. Assuming his severest expression, he turned to see what kind of man he had to deal with, that he had been called from his repose at so early an hour. He knew that it must be some one whom the Jewish authorities were anxious to have tried and punished with haste.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 2)
Pilate looked at the men who had Jesus in charge, and then his gaze rested searchingly upon Jesus. He continued to look at him; for he could not do otherwise. He had had to deal with all kinds of criminals; but the countenance of the man before him bore the signature of heaven, not of a criminal. Never before had one bearing such marks of goodness and nobility been brought before him. On his face Pilate saw no signs of guilt, no expression of fear, no boldness nor defiance. He saw a man of calm and dignified bearing, who heard the bitter accusations made against him without speaking a word to vindicate himself.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 3)
Christ's appearance made a favorable impression upon Pilate. His better nature was roused. He had heard of Jesus and his works. His wife had told him something of the wonderful deeds performed by the Galilean prophet, who cured the sick and raised the dead. Now this revived as a dream in Pilate's mind. He recalled rumors that had reached him from several sources, even from his own relatives. He resolved that he would ask the Jews for their charges against the prisoner.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 4)
Who is this man, and wherefore have ye brought him? he asked. What accusation bring ye against him? The Jews were disconcerted. knowing that they could not substantiate their charges against Christ, they did not desire a public examination. They answered that he was a deceiver called Jesus of Nazareth.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 5)
Again Pilate asked, “What accusation bring ye against this man?” The priests did not answer this question; but in words that showed their irritation, they said, “If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.” When those composing the Sanhedrin, the first men of the nation, bring to you a man they deem worthy of death, is there need to ask for an accusation against him? They hoped to impress Pilate with a sense of their dignity and importance, and thus lead him to accede to their request without going through many preliminaries. They were eager to have their sentence ratified; for they knew that the people who had witnessed Christ's marvelous works could tell a story very different from the fabrication they were now rehearsing.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 6)
The priests thought that with the weak and vacillating Pilate they could carry their plan through without any trouble. A pure, right-principled judge will never sign a death-warrant hastily, nor condemn a man merely because he is accused. To those who do this, the same will be done. But the Jews knew that this Pilate had previously signed the death-warrant hastily, condemning to death men whom they knew were not worthy of death. They hoped that he would now inflict the death penalty on Jesus without even giving him a hearing. This they asked as a favor on the occasion of their great national festival.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 7)
But there was something in the prisoner that held Pilate back from this. He dared not do it. He read the purpose of the priests. He remembered how, not long before, Jesus had raised Lazarus, a man that had been dead four days; and he determined to know, before signing the warrant of condemnation, what the charges were against him, and whether they could be proved.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 8)
If your judgment is sufficient, he said, why bring him to me? “Take ye him, and judge him according to your law.” Thus pressed, the priests said that they had already passed sentence on him, but they must have Pilate's sentence to render their condemnation valid. What is your sentence? Pilate asked. The death sentence, they answered; but it is not lawful for us to put any man to death. This privilege had been taken from the Jews by the Romans. The sentence against Christ could not be carried out without ratification, and the rulers now asked Pilate to take their word as to Christ's guilt, and enforce their sentence. They would take the responsibility of the result.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 9)
Pilate was not a just nor a conscientious judge, but, weak though he was, he refused to grant the request of the Jewish rulers. Memories of the reports he had heard concerning this man's work revived in his mind. He refused to condemn Jesus until a charge had been brought against him.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 10)
The priests were in dilemma. They had tried to make Pilate believe that their request was a reasonable one, but he had refused to comply with it blindly. They were much disappointed that he had not given them the power to do with Jesus as they would. They had condemned him for blasphemy. But in Roman law the death sentence was not inflicted for this offense. The priests saw that they must cloak their hypocrisy under the thickest concealment. They must not allow it to appear that Christ had been arrested on religious grounds. Were this put forward as a reason, their proceedings would have no weight with Pilate. They must make it appear that Jesus was working against the common law; then he could be punished as a political offender.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 11)
They were forced to bring another charge against Christ; and in order to do this they resorted to a lie. Some time before this they had formed a plot whereby they hoped to lead Christ to condemn himself before the Romans who were present. They sent to him men professing to be just men, in search of truth, who, after using words of flattery, asked him questions regarding the payment of tribute. But Christ had unveiled their hypocrisy, and the Romans saw only the utter failure of the plotters and their discomfiture at Christ's answer. “Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?” the spies asked. “Show me a penny,” Christ said. “Whose image and superscription hath it?” They answered, “Caesar.”“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar,” Christ said, “and unto God the things which be God's.”
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 12)
Now the priests thought to make it appear that on this occasion Christ had taught what they hoped he would. But they knew that while the course they had pursued as religionists had rendered them objectionable in the eyes of the Romans, nothing could in truth be brought against Christ as a creator of sedition. He had avoided everything that looked like condemning or resisting the policy of the government. When one came to him, asking him to decide a question regarding the division of property, he answered, “Who made me a judge or a divider over you?”
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 13)
As a nation, the Jews questioned Caesar's right to tax them. They regarded the Roman emperor as a usurper. If they had dared, they would have broken the Roman yoke. They were ready to imperil their lives in an effort to regain their national liberty. Forty years afterward they attempted this, and history bears record to the destruction of themselves and their city.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 14)
The Jewish rulers had given ample evidence of their hatred toward the Roman authority, and yet they now brought a charge of treason against Christ. Having failed several times to make him commit himself, or to wrest from him some expression that could be used against him, they were obliged to make a false charge. In their extremity they called false witnesses to their aid. “And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow [the only begotten Son of God] perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ, a King.” Three charges, each without foundation. The priests knew this, but they were willing to commit perjury could they but secure their end.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 15)
Pilate saw through their purpose. He did not believe that the prisoner had plotted against the government. His meek and humble appearance was altogether out of harmony with the charge. Pilate was convinced that Jesus was innocent, and he tried to release him. Had he acted decidedly, he would have done what was right. But he allowed other interests to take possession of his mind. The Jews cried out, saying, “If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend;” and Pilate allowed himself to be intimidated by these words. He was afraid of the representation that would be carried to Rome if he released Jesus. He proved false to his own convictions, and false to the message sent from heaven to his wife. “When he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 16)
So God's people will always be persecuted when religious bigotry is allowed to rule. In his zeal, Paul thought that in persecuting the church of God, and leading Christ's followers bound to Jerusalem to be thrust into prison and killed, he was doing God a service.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 17)
Let those who would trust to human nature to act mercifully and compassionately when men are brought into strait place, read Old and New Testament history, especially the record of the trial, condemnation, and crucifixion of Christ. Let them learn from this whether human beings may be trusted to act mercifully when their false theories and religious customs or traditions are interfered with.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 18)
It makes every difference whose side we are on in the contest. Unless sinners come to Christ, seeking him with the whole heart, and asking for his grace, they will make no attempt to oppose the enemy of God, but to the end of their days will remain his willing captives. Every man who transgresses the law of God places himself on the wrong side. His nature changes, and he becomes evil. All such will assuredly oppress their fellow men. God's people will suffer persecution from those who, if they had the Spirit of the Master, would manifest the same pitying love. But they are moved by a power from beneath, and they teach for doctrine the commandments of men. They do battle against God in the person of his saints; but God would have us remember that we are not to retaliate under provocation.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 19)
There is no enmity between Satan and evil men. Those who do Satan's work are not at enmity with him. He inspires the inventions which bring pain to those who are determined to worship God in accordance with his word. Satan is God's enemy, and he seeks to deprive God's people of the right to follow the convictions of the Holy Spirit. He has formed an alliance with men against heaven's decrees. Fallen men and fallen angels are sure to join in a desperate companionship. Through apostasy both are evil, and, wherever evil exists, will league against good.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 20)
Right principles may be acted out, righteous deeds may be done, by those who are persecuted. So it was with Christ. Touched by all human woe, the divine Healer never turned a suppliant away. Wherever he went, blessings attended his footsteps. Suffering humanity received his attention. For all diseases he had a balm. He went about doing good, relieving the oppressed, and comforting the afflicted. All who came to him received his blessing. He brought to men the richest gifts that heaven could bestow. To those who received him he gave blessings as free and abundant as the light of the sun; for he is the light of the world. He came to break down every wall of partition between man and his fellow man. But he was despised and rejected by the very ones he came to bless and save. He came to his own, and his own received him not.
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 21)
The experience of those who are loyal to God will be in accordance with Christ's words: “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.”“They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.”
(RH November 7, 1899, Art. A, 22)
Importance of the Canvassing Work
EGW
The very messages we have been giving to the world are to be made prominent. The books containing the light God has given must be brought before the people.
(RH November 7, 1899, 1)
Canvassers should have the fact impressed upon them that the canvassing work is the very work the Lord would have them do. The work of the canvasser is to bring before the world as fast as possible the light that God has given. The publications will do a far greater work than can be accomplished even by the ministry of the word, because the canvassers reach a class that ministers who teach in word and doctrine can not reach. From the light given me, I know that where there is one canvasser in the field there should be one hundred. Persons should be encouraged to take hold of the work, not to handle the little story books, but to bring before the world the books so essential at this time.
(RH November 7, 1899, 2)
Watchmen
The Lord will be with steadfast, consecrated workers. The time has come when a large work should be done by the canvassers. As watchmen they are ringing the warning bell to awake the sleepers to a sense of their danger. The work to be done is great; the world is asleep, and the churches know not the time of their visitation. How can they best learn the truth?—Through the efforts of the canvasser. Thus the reading is brought before those who otherwise would never hear the truth. Those who go forth in the name of the Lord are his messengers to give to the world the glad tidings of salvation through Christ in obeying the law of God.
(RH November 7, 1899, 3)
To Every Man His Work
The multitudes are in darkness, in error, and the Lord would have the light of truth shine forth to the world. To every man is given his work. Here is a work that man can lay hold of and do. All who will consecrate themselves to God to work as canvassers are giving the last message of warning to the world. They will be drawn out to speak the truth, and will have opportunities to explain the Word of God. In doing this itinerant work they are flashing rays of light upon the pathway of those who are in the darkness of error.
(RH November 7, 1899, 4)
Preparation for the Ministry
Those who are fitting for the ministry can engage in no other work which will give them so large an experience as will the canvassing work. All who want an opportunity for true ministry, and who will give themselves unreservedly to the Lord, will find in the canvassing work opportunities to speak upon many things that pertain to the future immortal life.
(RH November 7, 1899, 5)
Copy the Pattern
Doctrinal points should not be forced upon the people by the canvassers; but if the people lead out by asking questions, give them “a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” What fear? Fear lest your words should savor of self-importance, lest unadvised words should be spoken. The words and the manners are to be after Christ's likeness.
(RH November 7, 1899, 6)
Angels Co-Operate
Pray and work. More will be accomplished by the Christlike humble prayer than by many words without prayer. Work in simplicity, and the Lord will work with the canvasser. The Holy Spirit will impress minds just as he impresses the minds of those who listen to the words of God's delegated ministers, who preach his word. The same ministry of holy angels attends the one who gives himself to canvassing for books for the educating of the people as to what is truth.
(RH November 7, 1899, 7)
No Time to Lose
Men and women can work in lines effectually if they feel in their hearts that they are doing the work of the Lord in ministering to the souls who know not the truth for this time. They are sounding the note of warning in the byways and highways to prepare a people for the great day of God which is about to break upon the world. We have no time to lose. We must encourage this work. Who will go forth now with our publications? Let them read the sixth chapter of Isaiah, and take its lesson home to their hearts.
(RH November 7, 1899, 8)
“Here am I; Send Me”
“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar; and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips: and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
(RH November 7, 1899, 9)
Messages of Peace and Comfort
This representation will be acted over and over again if the canvassers are pressing close to the side of Christ, wearing his yoke, and daily learning of him how to carry messages of peace and comfort to the sorrowing, disappointed ones, the sad and brokenhearted. By imbuing them with his own Spirit, Christ the great teacher is fitting them to do a good and important work.
(RH November 7, 1899, 10)
Revival of the Spirit of Former Days Needed
This work has not of late had the spirit and the life infused into it by the leading agents that once made it a specialty. Painstaking effort is required; instruction must be given; a sense of the importance of the work must be kept before the workers; all must cherish the spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice that has been exemplified in the life of our Redeemer.
(RH November 7, 1899, 11)
The Unseen Helper
The Lord Jesus, standing by the side of the canvassers, walking with them, is the chief worker. The Holy Guest by their side makes impressions in just the lines needed, if the worker recognizes Christ as the one who is with him to prepare the way. Thus the worker can move forward representing the sacred truth he is handling, in the books he is finding a home for in families.
(RH November 7, 1899, 12)
Just as the truth presented in the books becomes woven into his own experience and developed in his character, will be his strength, his courage, his life. The experience gained will be of more benefit to him than all the advantages he might otherwise obtain in fitting for the work of the ministry. It is the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit of God that prepares the workers, both men and women, to become pastors unto the flock of God. As they cherish the thought that Christ is their companion, a holy awe, a sacred joy will be felt by them amid all their trying experiences and all their tests. They will learn how to pray as they work. They will be educated in patience, kindness, affability, helpfulness, wherever they may be. They will practice true Christian courtesy, bearing in mind that Christ their companion will not approve of any harsh, unkind words, or feelings. Their words need to be purified. The power of speech should be regarded as a precious talent, granted them to do a high, a holy work. The human agent is to represent the divine companion with whom he is associated. To that unseen, holy companion he is to show respect and reverence, because he is wearing the yoke of Christ, and is learning his pure, holy ways and manners.
(RH November 7, 1899, 13)
Those who have faith and confidence in this divine attendant will develop. They will be gifted with power to clothe the message of truth with a divine, sacred beauty. In all the self-denial and self-sacrifice required, amid all the unpleasant things that occur, they are ever to consider that they are yoked with Christ, partakers with him of his spirit of patience, forbearance, kindness, self-denial, and self-sacrifice. This spirit will make them a place and give them success in the work, because Christ is their recommendation to the families. They will not be easily repulsed, for they know that the household needs the instruction these books contain.
(RH November 7, 1899, 14)
Mission of the Silent Messengers
Some will lay them on the parlor table, and seldom look into them, until some sorrow comes. Perhaps sickness enters their home. Then they will look for those books, and the stricken ones will find peace and rest, and fall asleep in Jesus, resting in his love because he has forgiven their sins and is precious to their souls. This has been the testimony of many. The Lord co-operates with the self-denying human workers. His own mind, his own Spirit, is communicated to them.
(RH November 7, 1899, 15)
Who Will Respond?
God has his workmen in every age. The call of the hour is answered by the human agencies. Thus it will be when the divine voice cries, “Whom shall I send? and who will go for us?” The response will come, “Here am I; send me.” The Lord imparts a fitness for the work to every man and woman who will co-operate with divine power. A great work is to be done in our world, and human agencies will surely respond to the demand. And all the requisite talent, courage, perseverance, faith, and tact will come as they put the armor on. The world must hear the warning. When the call comes, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” send back the answers clear and distinct, “Here am I; send me.”
(RH November 7, 1899, 16)