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TEST OF SINCERITY

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 28, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 31, No. 20.

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TEST OF SINCERITY.

By Jos. Clarke

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vine; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat: the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Hab. iii, 17, 18.
What a noble and elevating principle there is in the truth. No earthly consideration can blunt its edge, or dim its luster. It is dependent on no outward circumstance, or accident of life. No enemy can take it from us, or alienate our affections from it. If we are poor, it will enrich us. If we are rich, it humbles our proud hearts. If we are ignorant, it informs us. If we are learned, it sobers us. If we are weak, it strengthens us. If sick, it is health and peace. If we are in darkness, it enlightens us. If in sorrow, it comforts us. If in doubt, it settles our roving minds. If we are persecuted, it defends us. If we are misunderstood, truth clears our pathway. If misrepresented, it takes our part, and teaches us sweet lessons of humility. If our hearts are hard, it softens them. If our judgments are perverted, it molds them aright. Ah! how wisely does the truth lead us along, not by the precept of men, but of God.
How nobly it leads men to deport themselves when in affliction and sorrow. An enemy might suppose them proof against sorrow, when their souls are weighed down with grief. Before God they pour out their complaints, and he supports them; and the more trouble they experience, the nearer do they press to Omnipotence. There is no place for doubt while thus near to him. They place no conditions to him, to try him. No, they reverence God. Shall mortal, puny man say to God, I will believe if thou wilt furnish such evidence as I will prescribe? or, I will serve thee, if thou wilt fill my coffers, and replenish my garners? or, I will obey thee, if thou wilt build up my wasted fortune? No; far be such impious thoughts from the heart of the good man!
Says the good man, I am thine, O my God. Thy will be done. Come poverty or wealth, sickness or health, I am thine; thine, living or dying!
God proves his people. A little perplexity upsets the constancy of the hosts of Israel, and they murmur fiercely against God and Moses; and the result is recorded for our instruction. Will we stand the test of trial? Have we set up our stakes, and said to God, Come to my conditions, if thou wish my service; fill my soul with good, warm food; clothe, enrich me, and I will serve thee?
Impious thoughts! blasphemous suggestions! be thou far from my thoughts. Let sweet submission fill the soul of every one who would serve God.
Christian, wouldst thou certainly know if thou art a Christian? How dost thou treat affliction? How dost thou bear reproach? Dost thou resent the cruel dart thine enemy hurls at thee? Art thou tried when God disappoints thee? Does the loss of thine earthly treasures cause thee to tremble, and doubt the goodness of God, and shake thy confidence in his word? Then look well to it, lest thy hope is like the spider's web in the day of God. But if, when trials come, thou restest sweetly in God, and confidest trustingly in him, with obedience to all his precepts, hope on till Jesus comes. Thou hast one good evidence of sincerity.
Jos. Clarke.