On the morning of the third day all the children of Israel obeyed the command of God through Moses and drew near the mount with fear and solemnity. Awful and grand was the place of God's sanctuary, holy and elevated the pulpit from which he was about to deliver his memorable sermon. The principles of the law of God did not originate at Sinai; but by a long, degrading servitude in Egypt they had become confused in the minds of all Israel. The Lord had now brought them out into this place, grand with solitude, that he might more clearly impress upon their minds the nature of his requirements by speaking his law with an audible voice.
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 1)
They were here to receive the most wonderful revelation ever made by God to man. The cloud which rested upon the mount, enveloping the Father and the Son and the retinue of holy angels, become more black and dense. Soon from its thick darkness came vivid flashes of lightning, followed by deep, hoarse peals of thunder which echoed and re-echoed among the mountains, causing the most careless to tremble. Then followed a period of solemn painful silence. The flashes of light sent forth from the cloud revealing the solemn scenery with wonderful brilliancy, left the cloud denser and more fearfully dark in contrast with the bright shining of his power. The mountain shook to its very foundation beneath the tread of the Divine Majesty.
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 2)
Moses was then called up, and charged once more to go down and see that the bounds were in order, and the sanctity of the mountain observed, after which he and Aaron were to go upward toward the summit. Then the Lord in awful grandeur, speaks his law from Sinai, that the people may believe. He accompanies the giving of his law with sublime exhibitions of his authority, that they may know that he is the only true and living God. Moses was not permitted to enter within the cloud of glory, but only to draw nigh, and enter the thick darkness which surrounded it, thus standing between the people and the Lord.
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 3)
After God had given them such evidences of his power, he tells them who he is: “I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” The same God who exalted his power among the Egyptians, now speaks his law:
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 4)
“Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 5)
“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 6)
“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 7)
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; for in six days the Lord made Heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 8)
“Honor they [thy] father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 9)
“Thou shalt not kill.
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 10)
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 11)
“Thou shalt not steal.
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 12)
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 13)
“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's.”
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 14)
The first and second commandments spoken by Jehovah are precepts against idolatry. This sin if practiced, would lead men to great lengths in rebellion, and would result in the offering of human sacrifices. God would guard against the least approach to such abominations. The first four commandments were given to show men their duty to God; the last six, to show the duty of man to his fellow-man.
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 15)
The fourth commandment is the connecting link between the great God and man. All who should observe the Sabbath would signify by such observance that they were worshipers of the living God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Thus the Sabbath was to be a sign between God and his people as long as he should have a people upon the earth to serve him.
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 16)
When the congregation of Israel beheld the terrific manifestations of God's presence at Sinai, they shrank away from the mountain in fear and awe. They felt indeed that God was there. When Moses and Aaron descended, they were greeted by the multitude with the cry, “Speak thou with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” The leader answered, “Fear not; for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.” The people, however, remained at a distance, gazing in terror upon the stupendous scene, while Moses again “drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.”
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 17)
Again the Lord seeks to guard his people against idolatry by commanding Moses to say unto them, “Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.” They were in danger of imitating the example of the Egyptians, and making to themselves images to represent God. The Lord then continued to lay down certain rules which should govern them and the blessings which would be theirs if they obeyed. These are his words: “Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions; for my name is in him. But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries; for mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I will cut them off.” The angel who went before Israel was the Lord Jesus Christ. “Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works; but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images. And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.”
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 18)
God would have his people understand that he alone should be the object of their worship; and when they should overcome the idolatrous nations around them, they should not preserve any of the images of their worship, but utterly destroy them. Many of these heathen deities were very costly, and of beautiful workmanship, which might tempt those who had witnessed idol worship, so common in Egypt, to regard these senseless objects with some degree of reverence. The Lord would have his people know that it was because of the idolatry of these nations, which had led them to every degree of wickedness, that he would use the Israelites as his instruments to punish them, and destroy their gods.
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 19)
“I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee. And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, and Canaanite, and Hittite, from before thee. I will not drive them out from before thee in one year, lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee. By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land. And I will set thy bounds from the Red Sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river; for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and thou shalt drive them out before thee. Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me; for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.”
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 20)
After Moses had received the judgments and also the promises from the Lord, and had written them for the people, he “came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments; and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do.” Moses then wrote their solemn pledge in a book, and offered sacrifices unto God for the people. “And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people; and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words.” Thus the people ratified their solemn pledge to the Lord to do all that he had said, and to be obedient.
(ST May 6, 1880, Art. A, 21)
The Southern California Camp-Meeting
EGW
This meeting commenced April 22, about three miles from Lemoore. We came upon the ground Friday, April 23. Up to this time we had had almost constant rain. But although we had traveled to and from our appointments in various places while the rain was pouring, every Sabbath and first-day had been pleasant. We had not a little anxiety lest the rain would continue during our camp meeting; but not a drop has fallen since we came on the ground.
(ST May 6, 1880, 1)
We were happily surprised to find a very neat and pleasant encampment. Forty-three tents are pitched in a square around the large pavilion tent. The restaurant is the best conducted and arranged of anything of the kind we have ever seen at our camp-meetings. The two long tables in the dining tent, are liberally supplied with a variety to meet the wants of all. We found well furnished tents, comfortable and inviting, for those who came to labor, and who needed rest so much. The meetings have increased in interest from the first. The outside interest has been unusually good. Much prejudice has existed in this vicinity against our unpopular doctrines, but this meeting will give the people a better opportunity to learn what we do believe.
(ST May 6, 1880, 2)
On Sabbath, we spoke more than an hour on the love of God, after which, between one and two hundred signified their desire to seek the Lord, by coming forward. Many testimonies of confession were borne, and a fervent season of prayer followed. It was a solemn occasion. The sweet assurance of the Spirit of God was ours as we sought by earnest intercession, and living faith, to place ourselves in connection with the Hearer of prayer. Light from the throne of God was reflected upon us. Those who were seeking the Lord, repaired from this meeting to tents selected for the purpose, where the work was continued more thoroughly. These meetings were beneficial. Testimonies were borne, and interesting experiences related.
(ST May 6, 1880, 3)
One brother said he used to drink, use tobacco, and gamble. He would often feel convicted that it was wrong to indulge in these things, but there seemed to be a bewitching power about them to hold him, and under the influence of temptation every good resolution would be broken. When he heard the doctrines proclaimed by S. D. Adventists, he became convinced of their truthfulness, and hearing it stated that it was in the power of all to overcome their strong appetites and sinful indulgences if they asked the Lord to help them, he commenced to pray for strength to resist temptation, and the Lord heard and answered his prayers. These practices once so attractive to him, he stated were now repulsive. He had a great desire to become more thoroughly converted. He felt that he was holding the truth only with the tip ends of his fingers, and unless he continued to pray, his hands would slip off, and then his strength would be gone, and he would be as bad as ever.
(ST May 6, 1880, 4)
In our next social meeting, nearly all who bore testimony expressed their thankfulness to God for the blessings which they had received the day before. Some stated that for the first time in their life they could say that they knew that their sins were forgiven. This was indeed a precious Sabbath to those assembled to worship God on this encampment.
(ST May 6, 1880, 5)
Sunday morning, teams commenced to pour their loads of living freight upon the ground. The encampment seemed barricaded with phaetons, spring buggies and wagons, header wagons and long hay wagons, filled with chairs. Some came from twenty miles around with their families. Eld. Haskell spoke in the forenoon with great clearness. I spoke in the afternoon on the subject of Christian Temperance. Pledges were then circulated, to which one hundred and thirty names were signed. Our own people had quite generally signed before this.
(ST May 6, 1880, 6)
Monday and Tuesday many responded to the invitation to seek the Lord, and on both occasions marked progress was made in coming nearer to making an entire surrender to God. One who had long been wandering in the mazes of infidelity, for the first time took his stand openly with the people of God, and placed his feet firmly upon the Rock of Ages. He stated that he expected people would say, “Why do you unite with that people; they are poor.” But his answer was, “I am poor, and therefore will unite with them to seek for heavenly riches. They will say, These are ignorant people. Well, I am ignorant, and wish to unite with them that we may together connect with the great Teacher, and obtain that wisdom which comes from the source of all wisdom. They will say, these are humble, low people. Well, I wish to come with them to the foot of the cross, and humble my heart and will to the mind and will of Christ.”
(ST May 6, 1880, 7)
Thursday I spoke upon the unity which should exist among brethren. I felt convinced that why the Spirit of God did not come into our meetings in a more marked manner was because of the dissensions which are allowed to exist among brethren. With some there existed envious and jealous feelings, evil surmisings, tale bearing, and fault-finding. These were referred to by the apostle as a root of bitterness whereby many are defiled. Many go all through the camp-meetings professedly worshiping God and keeping his commandments, while these very evils are cherished in their hearts. Such receive no lasting good, because they do not purify their hearts and cleanse the soul-temple. Some murmur against their brethren, and then, as it is but a step farther, they murmur against God because they do not feel happier, when the hindrance is in themselves alone. They are proud and unyielding; self is their cherished idol, and they would not dethrone it that Jesus might be enshrined in their hearts, therefore their lives were a jumble of inconsistencies.
(ST May 6, 1880, 8)
We made a special call for all of this class to separate themselves from the congregation and especially seek the Lord. Many came forward and several confessions were made, and yet the work did not go as deep with some as we felt it should. Our earnest supplications once more ascended to God in their behalf. Again the Lord drew near to us, and his Holy Spirit rested upon us. When we arose there was a marked change in the countenances of some. The darkness and gloom had been rolled away, and light, peace, and joy had flooded their souls. Their faces were lighted up, and all seemed eager to express their thankfulness for what God had done for them. The brother who had been a gambler, drinker, and tobacco-user bore a clear testimony. Jesus had blessed him as never before. He felt that he was a converted man. All was peace and joy. Several bore a similar testimony.
(ST May 6, 1880, 9)
The meetings were to close Wednesday, but on Tuesday the brethren entreated us to remain over another Sabbath and Sunday. Some plead with tears that we should not leave them, for the work was only just begun, and much would be gained if the meetings could continue. We decided to comply with the request, and in obedience to our convictions of duty to continue our work. We felt deeply anxious for this dear people. Some have had but a short experience; they need to know more of the way of life. Many have confessed to fretfulness, quick temper, impatience, and fault-finding. Oh! how our hearts are drawn out for this class, knowing that many will not realize how offensive these sins are in the sight of God until it is too late for them to form new characters and be cleansed by the blood of Christ. We feel like entreating all who are indulging in these sins to put them away and build up a character upon the true foundation, Jesus Christ. A new and symmetrical character may be formed by laying up one grace and good deed upon another, thus climbing Peter's ladder of eight rounds in sanctification. A character thus built will be harmonious in all its paths. Faith will sustain works, for faith works by love and purifies the soul.
(ST May 6, 1880, 10)
In some respects this meeting is unlike other camp-meetings. It has always pained my heart to see our brethren in a hurry to pull down their tents and return home after being in camp only two or three days. Before they have really entered into the spirit of the meeting, they strike their tents and return to their worldly cares and perplexities. The last two or three days of the meeting are needed by every one, and the first days are needed to get into a position where the last days will benefit them. The varied instruction given is not from man. It is Christ speaking through his representatives, and not an occasion of this kind should be regarded with indifference. If absent from one meeting you may fail to receive a message sent to you from God, and as the result you may fall under temptation, because the instructions and warnings placed within your reach you did not receive.
(ST May 6, 1880, 11)
The people here are hungry for knowledge, and they say, “We know not when we shall have so much help again, perhaps never, and we want to keep it as long as we can.” A few have been home forty miles and this morning returned bringing with them some who had not been on the ground before. It is a satisfaction to labor for a people who are so anxious to be helped, and who will appreciate the labors bestowed upon them. The last two days, Thursday and Friday, have been the best of the series of meetings. The five o'clock social meeting this morning was the best we have had. Brother was on his knees confessing to brother; there were broken hearts, tears, forgiveness, and rejoicing. We expect to see more of the salvation of God ere this meeting closes.
(ST May 6, 1880, 12)
As there is no response to the earnest and hearty invitation of our California Conference for laborers to come to their help on this coast and for the North Pacific mission, we feel it to be our duty to labor where they are in such suffering need of help. We stated that we would attend the camp-meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, and other large gatherings as our strength would permit. But the disappointment of our people in their expectation of help on this coast fastens me here and in Oregon the coming summer. My labors have been well received wherever I have been. I would not ask for a greater appreciation of my labors than I have received from our people here, and there has not been wanting expressions of appreciation from those not of our faith. I dare not tear myself away from this field unless God should clear my way and clearly indicate my duty in that direction.
(ST May 6, 1880, 13)