Do You Know? by Mary C. Wilson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jun 9, 1904

Do You Know?

By Mary C. Wilson

MARY C. WILSON

DEAR fellow Christian, are you aware that among the little band of brethren and sisters with whom you have your association there may be some soul who is bowed down in discouragement—some one who, though nearly crushed under the load that he carries, may be now fighting a soul conflict, open only to the all-seeing Eye, so severe, so desperate, that it seems at times as if his feet would be swept off the one true Foundation? He does not shout the victory he might have, because the enemy is overwhelming him with darkness. He refuses to talk of the darkness that envelops him, consequently you do not understand his inward experience.

No; you do not know. How can you? How can you know how near to danger stands that precious soul whose purchase price was the life of the Son of God? But are you scattering about you smiles of cheer, words of tenderness, hope, and love? Are you watching to help upward instead of ‘bearing downward by criticism or indifference?

Are you bearing those whom you covenanted to help, above earth on the wings of prayer? Do you bring each by name before the Father for his strength and grace? Do you, when you enter your closets where none but God can see, agonize before him for the youth, the boys and girls of your fold, that they may be kept unsullied from the world’s pollutions, and grow strong to labor for the Master?

Do you know that Satan is making a special target of these youth, bringing against them a flood so strong that it is almost impossible for them to bear up against the awful current? Are you seeking by every means, by unceasing prayer, to keep them as pure as when heaven gave them into your keeping?

Do you say that many of our young people are now lost to the church? that we can no longer interest them in religious things? What! Can it be that you are at ease, enjoying the security of the fold, while the lambs are out on the cold, dark mountains of unbelief? O, hasten to their rescue!

But stop! throw down your clubs. You can not drive nor frighten them back. Only gentle means combined with wisdom will avail; but persevere, persevere, persevere. Let your prevailing weapon be prayer. Encircle them with a cheerful spirit of love and good-will, and then hold them up to the dear Father in earnest, unceasing, prevailing prayer, and God according to his promise will hear and save.