An Impressive Lesson by A. Allen John

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 8, 1909

An Impressive Lesson

By A. Allen John

A. ALLEN JOHN

A BEVY of doves were in the habit of feeding in our garden, and seemed to understand the purpose of the domestic cat as it passed to and fro apparently without noticing them. One morning the doves were peacefully picking up their food; and as Miss Pussy, at a safe distance, was sleeping in the sunshine, there seemed to be no cause for alarm.

Presently a dispute arose between two doves, and they began to fight. In an instant the cat, unnoticed by them, was well on its way across the garden, and behind a tuft of grass was preparing for the fatal spring. The first round of the fight ended, and as the birds strutted around retaliating in language most unbecoming to doves, the cat sprang, and the poor doves barely escaped by seeking protection in flight.

This scene occurred in my presence, and the lesson, so real, at once brought to my mind a picture of the scattered people of God, who, in little companies, are exposed to many temptations and dangers. Knowing this, they peacefully and watchfully pursue their vocations, keeping a “safe” distance from the enemy. This sense of safety should cause alarm; for differences may arise, leading to self-exaltation and adverse criticism of others; and when indulging in evil surmisings, the seeds are sown for unkind words and deeds; and while manifesting our unrighteous indignation, Satan will make a rapid, dangerously close approach, and take us captive, unless we have speedily sought safety above. Personal experience, to my sorrow, confirms all this.

Thinking evil, in logical sequence leads to evil speaking, evil doing, and evil being. Cause and effect, in natural and spiritual things, are inseparable; hence, in this sense, it may be said that thoughts are things. “As he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer.” “When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin.” See Matt. 5: 27, 28; 2 Cor. 3: 18. “Look and live!” On the tempest-tossed waves, the ardent, impetuous Peter for one instant lost sight of the Master, and sank, crying, “Lord, save me.” Again when questioned as to discipleship, he cursed and three times denied his Lord, after only a few hours’ separation from him. And three days apart from Jesus, found the disciples in an upper room, with closed doors, trembling with fear, disconcerted by division, and hesitating because of doubt. In the midst of this despised, persecuted, and perplexed company the Saviour’s presence was made known by the gracious benediction, “Peace be unto you.” And that blessing of peace, a pledge of the divine presence, changed hatred to love, strife to fellowship, and doubt to assurance, preparing them for pentecostal baptism and obedience to the requirements of the great commission.

With such antecedents, without making them a subterfuge, it would not be strange if the remnant people, who “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” should be similarly tried amid the distress and perplexity of nations. The facts are that hearts, homes, churches, institutions, and conferences, to our sorrow and dismay, have at times lost sight of the Captain of our salvation, and the enemy has brought doubt and confusion among us. True, the church must be awakened: “Cry aloud, spare not.” The world must be warned: “Go ye into all the world.” Personal wrongs must be pointed out: “Reprove, rebuke, exhort;” but all should be done in love and with the spirit and tenderness of the Master.

Let God set up and cast down kingdoms and men in his own way. The spirit of prophecy has ever voiced his counsels and reproofs; and its manifestation in the remnant church is evidence of its mission still. Let praise to men be given with modesty, and censure with faithfulness, the end being the salvation of the erring, and that oneness, faith, and love that will vouchsafe the peace and presence of him who said, “Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.”

Cuatla. Morelos, Mexico.