Editorial by L. A. S.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 21, 1903

Editorial

By L. A. S.

Examine the Foundation

THE day is at hand which will try every foundation upon which men stand, whether connected with the church, or otherwise. Not all foundations that are thought to be secure now, will be found so then. Many an individual is supported to-day not by a solid foundation, but by props in which there is only human strength. Many lean upon the friendship of those about them, or upon the example of certain ones to whom they look as spiritual guides. When all these props are removed, as they will be in the trying times before the end, such will find that their foundation was not the solid rock, but the sand. Their dependence was upon the word of man rather than the word of God. The sudden falling of the props upon which they leaned will take them by surprise. Those whom they have made their spiritual guides may themselves make shipwreck of the faith. “Lights which have been admired for their brilliancy will go out in darkness.” Little do many anticipate the sudden giving way of human supports which they will meet in the days to come, or the unexpected pressure which will be brought upon them to cause them to yield their faith. At that time, unless they have built upon the true foundation, they will give way to discouragement and despair, and it will seem to them that it is of no use to try longer to stand with the peculiar people who keep God's commandments. Like Esau, they will lose sight of the value of heavenly things in their fear of the calamity which seems about to overwhelm them unless they shall yield their ground. Many who confidently assert their firmness in the faith now, will be found wanting then. The only safety lies in knowing now that our foundation is the Word of God alone. Every other foundation, of whatever sort, is soon to be swept away.

L. A. S.