Editorial by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Mar 2, 1905

Editorial

By Editor

Tiring the Angels

HEAVENLY messengers are sent from the throne of God to co-operate with those who are engaged in the Lord's work. They harken to God's word, and they delight to carry out his plans. They are grieved by the half-heartedness and the dilly-dallying methods of those professed servants of the Master who are slow to perceive the indications of God's providence, and still slower to make decided and aggressive advances in his work. “Long delays tire the angels. It is even more excusable to make a wrong decision sometimes than to be continually in a wavering position. . . . God requires promptness of action. Delays, doubtings, hesitation, and indecision frequently give the enemy every advantage. . . . The timing of things may tell much in favor of truth. Victories are frequently lost through delays. There will be crises in this cause. Prompt and decisive action at the right time will gain glorious triumphs, while delay and neglect will result in great failures and positive dishonor to God. Rapid movements at the critical moment often disarm the enemy, and he is disappointed and vanquished; for he had expected time to lay plans and work by artifice.” We have now come to one of those crises, and we urge our men who are in positions of responsibility to rise to the occasion with promptness and decision. Let us not tire the angels by long delays. Read “A Stirring Exhortation” in another part of this paper, and follow the definite instruction there given. The Lord is ordering the battle, and the truth forces should keep step with their divine Leader. If we obey the explicit directions now given for the work, we may confidently expect glorious results. The enemy of the truth is setting plans on foot with reference to the final conflict, but we must give him no time “to lay plans and work by artifice.” Let this whole people respond to God's call for action like a well drilled and disciplined army, and the adversary will be taken at a disadvantage and defeated. “Arise, shine; for thy light is come.”