p. 3 | A Testing Time by L. A. S.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 28, 1903

A Testing Time

By L. A. S.

This is the testing time. Every soul is to be tried, and the foundation of every profession will be revealed. The result will show whether that foundation was the word of God, or the word of man—whether the soul was looking unto Jesus, or whether some human example was its guide. In this testing time, “lights that have been admired for their brilliancy will go out in darkness,” and those who have been depending on such lights will be left in darkness by their extinction. Those who have been influenced more in their religious life by the example of men than by the example and precepts of Christ, will have the weakness of their foundation revealed. Because some in high positions do not do right, others will do wrong, and perhaps depart from the faith. Such cases are becoming common. Often we meet with an individual whose faith has become weakened because the conduct of his brethren toward him was unchristian, or because he fancied it was. The next we know of him he has severed his connection with the church, and perhaps joined some of the more popular religious bodies. Because some persons did not treat him well, he has come to the conclusion that the seventh day is not the Sabbath, and that Christ’s return is not imminent. And by this he shows simply that his religious profession, while apparently as sound as any, rested not upon the solid rock of faith in God, but upon that which was earthly and human. We are warned of these days that “because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” We are prepared to see iniquity in the world, but when it breaks out in the church, how often it takes us by surprise, and we find the foundation of our faith severely shaken. It is iniquity in the church that is especially responsible for the lukewarmness of church-members. We must be prepared for the apostasy of any, even those in whom we have had most confidence. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever, and the faith that rests on him alone can never be shaken. Nor can anything that may come take God by surprise, or affect the triumph of his work; for “the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.” “Have faith in God.” L. A. S.