Wisdom by E. G. Stevenson

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 29, 1866

Wisdom.

By E. G. Stevenson

"If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering; for he that wavereth is like the wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed." James i, 5, 6.

Dear brethren and sisters, we are not to be puffed up with the vain wisdom and glory of this world; but to ask of God for that wisdom which cometh down from above, which is able to make us wise unto salvation. When conversing with our friends who have not the love of the truth, on these great truths which are being revealed to a remnant people in the last days, they are often led to exclaim, "Why is it that our smart men and worthy divines do not know these things if they are so?" To make a long argument short I will let the Saviour reply: "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them unto babes." Are we as a people the class called the babes? I answer, Yes. Let us then press forward, and forgetting the things which are behind reach forth after the things which are to come, being wise in the wisdom of our God; because the foolishness of God is wiser than men. "For ye see your calling, brethren, says Paul, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught the things that are." 1 Cor. i, 25, 28.

Oh let us seek a nearness to our God; that frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish. That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers. Isaiah xliv, 25, 26. Is not a portion of the above being fulfilled at the present? Do not the so-called worthy diviners in this day, when cornered with the present truth, get mad in a moment, and leave the room in a passion? Let us thank God every day for the light of present truth; but for all the wisdom of man, the truth will go forth unto its destined victory, and grow brighter and brighter, even unto the perfect day.

When living in a city like this, we have the privilege of being with all denominations; and some with whom I get in conversation are filled with the wisdom of this world. You can tell them nothing but what they know, and they will listen to nothing either. I then think of the admonition of our Saviour: "Cast not your pearls before swine, lest they turn again and rend you."

I thank God that I have no evil report to send from the little band of Sabbath-keepers here; but on the other hand, we are earnestly seeking for a nearness to the Lord; that our hearts may be filled with love and gratitude one toward another. Since Bro. Sanborn preached to us, two have decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and others I think will soon. Pray for us, that the Lord may continue to work for us here in this great city of sin and iniquity.

E. G. STEVENSON.

Chicago, Ill.