p. 89 | Untitled article by D. T. BOURDEAU

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, January 21, 1868

THOUGHTS

By D. T. BOURDEAU

Suggested by the Recent Labors of Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. Andrews among Us.

The meeting of Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. Andrews, which we have anxiously looked forward to and prepared to enjoy, is in the past. And it was indeed a good meeting. Our expectations (considering the brief period it occupied) were fully realized. More than a score of souls made a start for the kingdom, while upward of forty offered themselves for baptism. And if we are to judge from the nature of the testimonies given by the brethren and sisters, we may safely say that a large majority of the believers present received a fresh supply of strength and courage, to help them in their journey heavenward.

But the question arises in my mind, Who will be permanently benefited by this meeting? This question deserves our serious attention; and in order to answer it properly we should bear in mind the object of this recent gathering, which was to deeply and solemnly impress our minds with the times in which we live, and our duties with reference to them, and to encourage and help us to live accordingly. Those alone who earnestly labor to carry out this object will be really and permanently benefited. And let it be remembered that this object cannot be fully accomplished until our probationary work is done, and the people of God have developed perfect characters.

Many act as though the object of such a gathering could be gained before the meeting closes. They are, perhaps, shut up to the solemn convictions produced by the truth spoken in the demonstration of the Spirit and with power, and are satisfied with enjoying a good time, characterized with flights of feeling, while the meeting lasts. Such have, at best, but a contracted view of the subject, and are, generally, selfish in their devotions. We should not stop with conviction, without bringing forth fruit meet for repentance. The Spirit at times mightily enforces the truth, not that we may selfishly enjoy a blessing, but that we may carry out our convictions of duty by laboring, not only for our salvation and happiness, but also for the salvation of others and the glory of God.

Additional light and blessings bring with them additional duties and responsibilities; and it is not in vain that we have been favored with our recent general gathering. Heaven requires that we be more consecrated and devoted to the cause of truth than we were before the meeting. Unless we are, we cannot have the favor of God, and the light that is in us will become darkness. And how great will be that darkness? It will be proportionate to our light, blessings and privileges. This accounts for the great fall of so many who once stood high in the favor of God; and God is no respecter of persons. We know not what course we may be led to pursue if we do not come up to our duty and privileges. God save us from indifference on this point, is my prayer.

The time has now come to live out our confessions and resolutions. We should not be elated over past blessings; but should let the goodness of God lead us to repentance, and reduce his blessings to practice; for every blessing of God involves and enforces some sacred obligations, and increases our responsibilities.

We should remember that Satan will now be on the alert and work with unwonted wisdom, power and perseverance, to hinder us from carrying out our resolutions. When the Lord works in a special manner, to arouse his people, Satan may be expected to work also; for there is something at stake. He is in danger of losing his hold on the church. How many blessings have been lost in this manner. Therefore we should re-double our earnestness in the work. We should watch unto prayer and gird on the whole armor, and fight the good fight of faith.

Satan will come in a manner that we least expect. He will try to intimidate, shame and discourage some who are inexperienced, while he will come to others in a more careful, gradual and subtle manner. He has snares prepared for such, adapted to temperaments and organizations; and if he reaches us, it will be at our weak points. How important, then, is it to examine ourselves, to know our weak points, and guard against them. Let us remember that worldly-mindedness is one of the principal avenues through which Satan comes to the church; and that the way to overcome it is to sacrifice for God and his cause, be much in prayer, read the word of God daily, and dwell much on the glories and riches of the world to come.

We need not backslide and be overcome by Satan. It is our privilege to improve upon God's blessings, and to be changed from glory to glory in the image of Christ, that when we reach another general meeting, we may have it to say that we have made progress, and are prepared to take another step in advance.

D. T. BOURDEAU.

West Enosburgh, Vt., Jan. 8, 1868.