Untitled article by G. W. A.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, October 8, 1867

NOT IN WORD, BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH.

By G. W. A.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Quite recently, at our General and State Conferences, and on some other occasions, we have passed resolutions in regard to humility, consecration, &c., &c., all of which were well. But let us be careful that our humility and good works do not exist only in “resolutions.” It would be full as well to never take such action, if we do nothing further. It is indeed a solemn thing to enter into covenant with God, as we do in passing resolutions and in making vows to do better; but if we fail to carry out our covenant, how great is the responsibility that rests upon us. It is no light matter to vote on a resolution where eternal interests are concerned, and our subsequent lives should ever attest that we regard it in that light. We are now merging into times that will try men’s souls, and it becomes us all to have a daily experience in the things of God. Oh, that each of us, as members of the great body of Christ, might seek to draw nourishment from the true and living Vine, that God’s great salvation might be with us, and all our works stand the test of the judgment, which is right upon us. Again I say, let us be careful that the resolutions which we pass to get nearer to God, do not prove a dead letter, and mere acts of formality. We may forget them, but be assured God never does. Finally, let us be doers of the work, as well as hearers of the word, and not love in tongue and word, BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH. G. W. A.