The Value of Earnestness by J. S. Washburn

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 28, 1907

The Value of Earnestness

By J. S. Washburn

J. S. WASHBURN

The writer had the privilege of being present at several meetings of the National Convention of the W. C. T. U., recently held in Nashville, Tenn. While we would probably not agree with all their methods, yet there was one thing which impressed me strongly, and that is the great earnestness and intensity with which those noble women are working in the good cause of Christian temperance. Their influence has certainly accomplished much. As a result, at least partially, of their work a strong temperance tide is flowing over the country, especially in the South. Georgia has become a prohibition State. Alabama seems just on the verge of passing a prohibitory law. There are only four cities in Tennessee which have saloons, and it is evident that that State also will soon be in the prohibition column. All through the country the temperance wave is flowing, as is evident from the reports. The cause is a good one, and those who

labor in it should be intensely in earnest; and earnestness counts.

The individual who has courage and energy to follow his convictions does something in the world. The listless, dead, formal, half-hearted service that many of us give should cause us to tremble lest the warning of those terrible words apply to us: “Because thou art . . . neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” Let us do with our might what our hands find to do. Let us labor fast while the rays of the setting sun are shining. Let us finish the work before “the night cometh, when no man can work.” Should not we, who have other great truths besides the temperance truth, arise, and with an irresistible earnestness show those who are looking for light that we have a real message and a real work? “Awake thou that sleepest.” With patience, and yet with haste, let us do the Lord’s blessed work.

Nashville, Tenn.