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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · January 7, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 4

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THE ENEMY THWARTED.

By R. M. KILGORE

We have lately witnessed two successive victories on the Lord’s side. The battle-fields were the churches of Pilot Grove and Mt. Pleasant. The enemy had been at work for some time and had gained quite a foothold. He had so stirred the hearts of some of the members, at each place, with jealousy, envy, and evil surmisings against their leaders, that it could no longer be kept quiet, and resulted in church trials. Coldness, formality and a lack of brotherly love existed among those subject to Satan, consequently division in the churches. They had harbored ill feelings which had found a lodgement in their breasts, at the suggestion of the Devil, and they were not satisfied until they had poisoned other minds who were brought into the same bondage. Being self-deceived they could not see the dreadful influence which they cast against the cause of truth they professed to love. They looked upon the faults of others, and never thought that they themselves might be in the wrong. During the investigations, that which seemed to be wrong in their sight, was brought to light, and that which was not made clear by explanations, was humbly confessed. Thus those dear servants of the Lord stood in the clear light before their brethren and sisters.
The spirit of the Lord began to work, when each turned to look upon themselves, and examine their own hearts; their burden was then to seek meekness and true humility. Those wrong feelings which had so long been covered up and harbored were brought to light and heartily confessed by those who had been bound by the power of the enemy. Some were made entirely free by their humble confessions and asking the forgiveness of those whom they had wronged. Others were brought to see themselves, and to some extent their wrongs, who have a great work to do yet. May the Lord help them.
Now, instead of coldness and distant feelings toward each other, they began to press together, and ask the prayers of those in whom they previously had no confidence.
Evil angels were driven back by the power of God, and the sweet, melting Spirit was felt, and reigned in their stead; each heart was softened, and confidence restored. One burden after another was lifted from the heads of those servants of the Lord whom he has chosen to lead those bands of disciples, until they were entirely free.
Our hearts were made to rejoice as we saw these dear brethren and sisters begin to humble themselves and press together, confess their faults and ask each others’ forgiveness. Union and love were again restored. Hearts which had long been separated were again united, for which, to God be all the praise.
Thus, by suffering the enemy to get in among them, two of our largest and strongest churches in the State have passed through very severe conflicts. We have penned this that other churches may take advantage of their experience, and like them be guarded in the future. The Devil is not dead, neither is he sleeping. He is on the alert, watching the people of God to take advantage of them, and to get the ascendancy over them. He knows that his time is short, and if he can get confusion and anarchy into their ranks, he has gained his object.
It becomes us then, dear brethren and sisters, as disciples of our Lord and Saviour, to be clothed upon with the whole armor of God, press together, and present a bold front to the enemy, that he may not get in and mar our peace with God. Paul exhorts us to “let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.” Rom. xii, 9, 10.
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth, and hereby we know that we are of the truth; and shall assure our hearts before him.” 1 John iii, 18, 19.
“In the world a thousand snares Lie to take us unawares; Satan with malicious art, Watches each unguarded heart; But from Satan’s malice free, Saints will soon victorious be; Soon the joyful news will come, Child, your Father calls—Come home.”
R. M. KILGORE.
Washington, Iowa.