Watchfulness | AdventAI

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 12, 1865

Watchfulness.

“THERE is scarcely any duty more frequently or more urgently enjoined upon Christians than holy vigilance. How impressively did our Saviour enjoin this upon his disciples. What soldier who is in an enemy’s country, where every tree, every hedge, every wall may conceal a foe who is at this moment taking aim, and about to send the fatal bullet to his heart, would not keep constant watch on every object? In one hour we may be brought into a trial of our faith and steadfastness, which may seem to imperil our whole salvation. An unwatchful security may be our ruin.

“This was the cause of all the scandals we read of in Scripture. Eve was unwatchful when she listened to the tempter’s wiles; and Adam when he hearkened to the persuasions of his wife, and lost Paradise for themselves and their posterity. Noah was unwatchful when he drank the fruit of the vine and became intoxicated. David was unwatchful when he was walking on the house-top, saw Bathsheba, and fell into the crimes of adultery and murder. Peter was unwatchful when he denied his Master with oaths and curses. Yes, the failings of God’s people in every age since, are to be traced to the same negligence. Satan knows when we are off our watch-tower or asleep upon it, and takes instant advantage of our want of vigilance.”—Am. Mos.