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An Important Question

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jul 27, 1905

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 82, No. 30.

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An Important Question

By L. A. S.

“BECAUSE thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Rev. 3:10.
The hour of trial must come to every person. Fitness for heaven can be shown only by the endurance of a test of character.
The question whether one has the strength to endure the test that is to come, or whether he is making such use of his time as will secure it to him against the day of trial, is of the highest importance to every person. Soon forces will be let loose on the earth which will overturn all natural conditions, and sweep away things whose stability now seems assured, among them the foundations of many confident hopes.
What seems to be strength of character in times of prosperity often turns to weakness in the hour of adversity. It is one thing to believe the truth while the minister is preaching it, and the congregation is saying “amen,” and another thing to hold to the truth when you stand alone facing those who oppose it.
It is one thing to practise the truth when surrounded by friends of “like precious faith,” and another thing to practise it alone surrounded by an unbelieving world.
You have a faith which appears strong, and has stood the test hitherto; have you a faith which will endure a severe trial? Will it stand disappointment, the loss of property, loss of friends, the opposition of the multitude, hunger, cold, and weariness, the gloomy silence of a prison cell, and an appearance of having been forsaken of God? All these things belong with the hour of trial.
“Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” We must not mistake the strengthening influence that is derived from favorable surroundings, for faith. Faith is between the soul and God alone, and rests upon that which never changes, unaffected by changing surroundings. “Hast thou faith?” It is upon your faith that the issue hangs.
L. A. S.