Cast Not Away Your Confidence by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 11, 1909

Cast Not Away Your Confidence

By F. M. W.

THE church of God has passed through many crises in its history. By persecution, by apostasy, by the spirit of the world, by skepticism and doubt, by influences from without and within, the enemy has sought to subvert souls, and draw them away from their allegiance to God and his truth. This was so in the history of the church in the wilderness, in the days of the apostles, in the time of the Reformation, and it will be emphatically true in these closing days of earth's history.

Speaking with direct reference to our own time, the apostle Paul says: “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” It needs no argument to prove that we are now entering upon the time of which this scripture speaks. As never before in all his work of evil, Satan is seeking to unsettle the faith of men in God and in his revelation. The specious, subtle attacks upon the inspiration of the Bible; fanciful interpretations of scripture; the corruption in national, State, and municipal affairs; the degenerating influences working in the church; the moral downfall of society; the broken and dismembered homes, with the rapidly lowering standard of personal piety and individual responsibility, make it appear to human reasoning that the very foundations of faith are being overthrown and swept away.

Truly this is a time to try men's souls. And men are being tried. Souls are hanging in the balance of decision. Some are questioning if there be a God, if he cares for the honor of his name, and if he still remembers his children. Small comfort is afforded such inquirers in the jargon of voices heard on every side to-day. Neither within our own hearts, nor yet in the lives of others, can we find answers to our questioning. But we may find such answer in the Word of truth. In the sure word of prophecy God has forewarned us of these days. From it, and in our personal relationship with God, we may learn that he still lives. The foundation of his throne standeth sure. He has a truth which is going to the world, a work which he recognizes as his own, a people whom he is leading.

In the midst of the turmoil and strife, he is working out his purpose. In the busy marts of men, in the quiet sheltered home, in the hut of the lowly, and in the palace of the king, he is softening hearts and molding lives. He is gathering out

from all nations a people for his name; and he is gathering them out under conditions which will lead them to stand alone, as did Elijah of old. It will be an individual work. The remnant will not be saved by companies, or by families. The husband will not save the wife, nor the parents the children. “Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord God, or they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.”

But this standing alone, this dependence on God, will not mean drawing off from our fellows, an alienation of feelings, an independence of judgment and movement. There is danger, in these times, that fancy and feeling will be mistaken for faith; wild imagination, for leadings of the Spirit; and selfish obstinacy, for moral independence. Some, like Munzer and his misguided followers in the days of Luther, are inclined to cry, “The spirit, the spirit,” and, giving loose rein to wild imaginings, rush on, regardless of where their spirit leads, and unacquainted with its source or character. Let us avoid, in the times before us, these traps and pitfalls of the adversary.

The wisdom which descends from above is not contentious for self, not obstinate, self-willed and headstrong, but is “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Sometimes vital truth will cause separation. The simplicity of the gospel and the truth of God must be maintained, even if that maintenance separates very friends. Right principles must be upheld at any and every cost to personal interest or human friendship. But let us not confound vital truth with mere personal opinion, or make some personal hobby a test of Christian communion.

While depending wholly upon God, we should seek to draw near to our brethren. Differences should be laid aside, the spirit of warmth should take the place of coldness. With well-directed plans and in hearty accord, with a united front, we should press the battle against the common foe. Let all pull together, and let all pull in even lines. Repress the unkind thought, the cynical smile, the critical word. We are associated here with men and women of varying temperaments, and we should adapt ourselves to their ways, enter into their plans, and prove in their lives a strong, uplifting force of strength and encouragement. If we live with our fellows throughout eternity, we must learn to live with them here. If we enter heaven at last, then the principles of heaven must control our lives in this world.

Let every doubting, trembling soul take hold of God anew. He lives and reigns. If he has left you to stand by yourself, it is that he may teach you dependence on him alone. He loves you, and feels for you. He regards your outstretched hand, your grieving heart, your tears and prayers. Cast not away your confidence. Take hold of God's strong hand. Look not to others for inspiration or power, but to him who alone is able to keep you. He says: “Lo, I am with you alway.” “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

In this great world there are other lonely lives and grief-filled hearts. Seek them out, and speak to them words of comfort and cheer. Your message will gladden their lives, and will come back to you, bringing strength and comfort. Do not live for self, or live in self. Live for others, and in living for others, you will live for God. In saving others, through his grace, you will save your own soul, and bring joy and gladness into all your experience. F. M. W.