The Enchanted Ground by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 12, 1910

The Enchanted Ground

By F. M. W.

THE time of test is the time of waiting. “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick.” When month after month, and year after year, we have sought the fruition of our hopes, the time begins to drag wearily, and it is natural for us either to turn from our pursuit, or to pursue our quest with less eagerness. This is as true in spiritual things as in other questions of life. The Scriptures of truth recognize this, and warn us against this danger:—

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

In the progress of this great movement we have reached, as it were, a tarrying time. For long years fulfilling signs and prophecies have indicated the speedy coming of the Lord. We have seen the special gospel message for this generation spread from a small beginning to earth’s remotest bounds; and believers are rejoicing in it in nearly every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. We have seen evil influences marshaling themselves against the truth in fulfilment of prophetic prediction. From an unknown and obscure people, our church has so increased in membership, and particularly as an active, progressive force in the propagation of truth, and in withstanding the evil combinations seeking for a union of church and state, that our name is respected by many, and our influence feared by those who are seeking to commit the nation to wrong principles. Still, notwithstanding this onward march of events, and the fulfilment of the prophetic word, the Lord delays his coming.

This is the time of greatest danger to the church of God. And this period of waiting, this time of apparent peace and prosperity, this time when men speak well of us and of the work we are doing in the world, is the time above all others when we need to guard closely our religious experience. We are passing now over the enchanted ground. We may well beware of the miasma of sin, which in an unguarded hour may creep in upon us and benumb our sensibilities.

Satan cares not what means he employs to draw us from our allegiance to God, so long as his efforts are successful. He will employ the means best suited to the individual. He knows the weak points in each character, the vulnerable place at which to aim his fiery darts. He will gain entrance to this citadel of one soul through the pleasures of the world, the follies and excitement of society, love of dress, indulgence of appetite, or the pride of life. Another will be ensnared by the spirit of money-making. The value of gold will be magnified above the value of truth, and the soul will be bartered for the material things of life.

It stands us in hand in this time to be vigilant and constantly on our guard, lest through the deceitfulness of sin we lose our connection with God and fall into the snare and thraldom of the enemy of our souls. “In a little while he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” In a little space from this the opening heavens will reveal the glory of our coming King. Let us be patient. Let us lift up our heads and rejoice, for our redemption draweth nigh. We should arouse our energies for the sharp and decisive conflict which is just ahead.

While a power from beneath is springing up and fast taking hold of satanic agencies, marshaling them for the last final conflict, God is waiting graciously to send from above that power which will energize his people and prepare them to stand stiffly for his truth in the hour of trial. Long have we waited for the fulfilment of the promise made unto our fathers. Eagerly have we longed for the baptism of the Spirit of power. If we are faithful, that longing will one day be satisfied, but let us emphasize here again, as has been emphasized many times before, that before the day of power must come the day of complete consecration.

The seal of God will not be placed upon the unholy or impure; the power of God can not be imparted to the world-loving and unconsecrated. God can entrust his spirit to, and use efficiently, only those possessing clean hands and pure hearts. God to-day calls upon his people to forsake their idols, to remove from the highway the stones of stumbling, to clear away from the door of their hearts the rubbish of sin and selfishness, and let the Lord Jesus Christ come in and take full and complete possession.

This little time of waiting affords opportunity for this work, opportunity for heart-searching, for the confession of

sin, for the righting of every wrong. Who this day will consecrate himself anew to God? Who in this waiting hour will place his all upon God’s altar for sanctified service in connection with this closing work? The consecration must begin in the individual life, it must be manifest in the home, in the church, and from there go out into all the world as a savor of life, and a blessing unto men.

May God grant that the senses of none of his people may become bewildered, or their hearts gross and heavy, as we pass over the enchanted ground toward the eternal city. Earnestness and faith on our part will bring corresponding peace and blessing and power through the Spirit of truth. He is waiting to be gracious. This is the day of his power. May we have a part in the refreshing.

F. M. W.