Try the Spirits by E. G. Rust

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 3, 1866

Try the Spirits.

By E. G. Rust

Not alone the spirit of prophecy which is in our midst, neither the spirit of our brethren; but our own spirits, to see what spirit we are of. We all have a work to do in our own hearts, and that without a moment's delay, else the day of God's wrath will overtake us as a thief, while we are saying, My Lord delayeth his coming. This is no time for us to be drinking in the spirit of this world—in all its jesting, joking and carelessness, but a time for us to afflict our souls, humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land, and seek righteousness and meekness, and it may be we shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.

In view of these things, brethren, let us live soberly in reference to our Master's return; for he will soon come again. Let us be zealous and repent of all our sins. Let us faithfully try our own spirits, that we may know what manner of persons we are. Let us plead for the eye-salve and white raiment. We are told to prove our own selves. Now, to prove anything is to demonstrate it beyond the shadow of a doubt. (Webster. Prove, to make trial; to succeed.) How is it with you, brother, sister, in regard to your acceptance with God? Have you succeeded in your suit at the throne of grace? Have you any doubt? Then try the spirits. “Examine yourselves whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Cor. xiii, 5. Let us faithfully try our motives, and see whether we glorify God in all our acts, thoughts aud words; for time is short, and we have but little time to work.

How is it with you, fellow-Christian? Do you harden your neck against reproof? If so, you will come to sudden destruction, and that without remedy. Buy of the true Witness gold tried in the fire. Have you a spirit that rebels when restrained by your brethren? Then seek humility. Not only ought we to be patient when reproved for our faults, but also when reproved, even when not in the wrong. 1 Pet. ii, 19, 20. Our Master and Pattern, who did no sin, bore with meekness all the taunts and scoffs of the council, rabble and high priest, answering nothing at all to their false accusations. Let us plead for the mind and disposition of Jesus. Try the spirits, brethren.

E. G. RUST.

Winfield, Mich.