THE WORK OF WISDOM by THIERA M. FOSTER

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 2, 1869

THE WORK OF WISDOM.

By THIERA M. FOSTER

“Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars; she hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table; she hath sent forth her maidens; she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither; as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come eat of my bread, and drink of the wine, which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish and live; and go in the way of understanding.” Prov. ix, 1–6. We are here informed of certain events wrought out by wisdom; one of which is, a feast is prepared, and an invitation given. In this we feel an especial interest. We want to attend this feast, and share in its blessings. In order to do this, it is necessary for us to know when, and where, it is celebrated. We will look to other portions of God’s word for light upon this important truth. The wisdom here spoken of, we see by comparing its characteristics with the inspired definitions of the word, is not the wisdom of this world, which Paul tells us is foolishness with God; but heavenly wisdom, which is from above; and originates with Him, “who is the immortal, invisible, and only wise God.” Then the house which she hath builded, is not a costly edifice, erected by one of earth’s wise and skillful artificers; but we look for one built by the wisdom and power of God. In Heb. iii, 5–6, we read, “Moses verily was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; but Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope given unto the end.” Again, in 1 Pet. ii, 5: “Ye also as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house,” &c. Also, in 1 Cor. iii, 9, we read, “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” In Eph. ii, 20, we have a more definite description of the plan and foundation of this building, thus: “Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone.” May we not see by these, and many like testimonies, that the church of Christ is the house which wisdom hath built. “She hath hewn out her seven pillars.” The workman in erecting a temporal house, hews his timber out of the rugged forest trees, by laboring upon it with proper implements, thus, in the building of God’s spiritual house. The Lord sends forth his servants with his word, which, directed by his spirit, works upon the hard and unregenerate heart of man; and while it hews down every evil tree, it prepares the good, and sets them in his building, “where, all fitly framed together, they grow up a mighty temple in the Lord.” In Rev. ii and iii, we find a representation of the seven states of the church, commencing with the apostolic church, and ending with the Laodicean or last church. Next in order, she prepares a feast, and a call is sounded from the highest places of the city. The simple and those wanting understanding, are invited to come, that they may eat, drink, and live. Let us compare this entertainment with the great supper brought to view in Luke xiv. Here the servant is commanded to go into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind, and in the third place, “the Lord said unto his servant, Go out into the highways, and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be full.” But where shall we look for the fulfillment of these things? As the supper time is in the afternoon, and the supper is the last meal in the day, we believe we have here a representation of the closing hours of probation, and the last gospel feast; and what a rich banquet hath wisdom prepared. How wholesome are her viands! present truth, the commandments of God, and the testimonies of Jesus Christ. Well may we exclaim with David, “The entrance of thy words giveth light, it giveth understanding to the simple.” Then while our ears are saluted with the last call, while wisdom invites us to come, and the Spirit and the bride say, Come, let us not linger, but hasten to partake of the feast, while yet there is room. Now mercy lingers. Now the voice of God’s servants are crying aloud. The guests are collecting. Soon the house will be full; and when the Master hath risen up, and shut to the door, many will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. A famine will be felt in the land, “not a famine for bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the word of the Lord.” He that is filthy will so remain—Jesus will quickly come, and his saints who have waited in patience for him, with shouts of victory, will be gathered home.

THIERA M. FOSTER.

Vienna, Wis.