How to Advance Present Truth
By Thirza M. Foster
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: What can we do to advance the cause of present truth? What labor can we perform? Are not these questions which are often asked by every devout and humble disciple of Jesus? I will suggest a few things which to me appear to be both incumbent and practicable. First. We can enter into our closets and increase our acquaintance with God and our own hearts. This is a work which must be done by ourselves, and upon its being well done our usefulness depends. Second. We are under especial obligation to become thoroughly established in the truth. Some will say, if we but cultivate the religion of the heart, it makes but little difference what system of doctrine we embrace. How can those who profess godliness speak so lightly concerning Bible truth? Do they not remember that in the good confession which their Master witnessed before Pontius Pilate, he said, "For this cause came I into the world that I should bear witness unto the truth?" Did not Paul assert that men were chosen to salvation through belief of the truth? And did not Peter declare that they purified their souls in obeying the truth? The truth, as it is revealed in the sacred Scriptures, is the only system of religion which is suited to the conversion of wicked and fallen men; and those who alter the religion of the Bible so as to change its nature (though not its name) prevent its efficacy in the great work of salvation. The Devil in opposing the salvation of mankind has sought to corrupt the perfect theory of the Bible by which it is effected—then if we would escape the devices of the enemy, we must become thorough students of the word of God. Third. There are but few ways in which we can do more good than by exemplifying a spirit of meekness. This formed a very distinguishing feature in the character of our divine Teacher, hence we hear him say, "Learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart." His zeal though great, was free from irritation; nor did it ever display itself in rash expressions. Even when contending with the Devil, no railing accusation was heard from his mouth. While living in the perils of the last days, we are often called to contend with error and evil-doing. The present generation presents to us a most lamentable and striking picture. Oh then let us ask the Lord for more wisdom, more righteousness, and meekness. Let us give heed to the words of the apostle to "be gentle unto all men, apt to teach—patient. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves, if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the Devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." Our Saviour asks the question, "When the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on the earth?" We are plainly taught by our Lord that the number of true believers will be few; nevertheless I am persuaded that God has a flock, though a scattered one, who humbly wait upon their Lord. Then dear brethren and sisters, let us take courage and press forward; for we know that Jesus is soon coming to gather his little flock, to whom he has said, "Fear not . . . for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Can we not adopt the language of Elisha to his servant when his fears were excited on seeing the Syrian host, "Fear not, for they that be with us, are more than they that be with them?" Satan and his evil angels are against us, but on our side there is an innumerable company of holy angels, sent forth as ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation. While a world lying in wickedness is arrayed against us, the saints are with us; and though they are a minority in number, they comprehend the excellent of the earth. They love what we love, and seek what we seek. But why do I speak of saints and angels as being with us? If we love God and keep his commandments, God himself is on our side, and "if God be for us, who can be against us?" I would mention one thing more that we can do to advance the cause we love. We can pray. The evils which we cannot remove are not beyond the reach of Him who heareth prayer. In conferring the rich blessings of Heaven upon us, God will be inquired of, not only by our Advocate on high, but also by the remnant of Israel, his praying people on earth. Prayer is a labor which is in the power of all who desire to work in the vineyard of the Lord. There is no service, however, in which we engage where we have greater reason to expect to meet with hindrance. Satan is afraid of our prayers and hates to see us on our knees. He gets advantage of us by tempting us to inconstancy in our devotions, and also by diverting our attention when engaged in them. Seeing we know these exposures, let us put ourselves on our guard, and give no place to the enemy. Let us resolve to pray without ceasing; and pray in the Holy Ghost. A life of communion with God is a precious foretaste of Heaven. May the Lord help us to live exemplary lives, and to do all we can to advance the precious cause of Jesus. Let us each work according to the ability and means which God has given us; and work while the day lasts, that when Jesus comes we may be found without spot and blameless—waiting for our Lord. THIRZA M. FOSTER.
Vienna, Dane Co., Wis.