Moving in Exact Order by G. B. T.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 26, 1916

Moving in Exact Order

By G. B. T.

Moved in “exact order,” like soldiers. This is keeping rank. Those, then, who are finally overcomers in the struggle, and who are not shaken out, will move in exact order. They will believe in order, be willing to be directed by those whose responsibility it is to direct the work, and will stay in line. Others it seems will be shaken out.

The power of concentrated action, or keeping step, is well illustrated by the following:—

“I remember one October morning walking across an old smoke-begrimed bridge that spans the Ohio at Cincinnati. My eye was caught by a dingy sign in large plain letters nailed up in a prominent place. It simply said, ‘Processions in crossing this bridge must break step.’ That was all. But it was imperative. It was a law. The processions must break step. The same men might cross the bridge, in as large numbers, at the same time, but they must not keep step.

“The authorities knew perfectly well that for a body of men to march in step, every left foot set down at once, the impact of every right foot striking at the same moment, would so—I do not say, add to the force exerted—would so multiply the force exerted upon the bridge as to endanger its safety. The power of concerted action is immense beyond any power of conception. Every bit of power at command can so be brought to bear at one point with a force beyond any words to express.

“Our Master reverses for us the old bridge sign. Out from Pentecost rings this word: ‘Let my followers all form in line, close ranks, and move out to a world conquest, and—keep step.’ That command of his will make a winning force so great as to shorten up the world’s present calendars, and shorten up the world’s pain, and lengthen out the new life that will come to untold numbers through Jesus.”—“Quiet Talks with World Winners,” pp. 165, 166.

It is moving together, keeping rank, that Satan hates. He knows it means the defeat of his plans, and the final overthrow of his kingdom.

There are those who seem to be unable to keep rank. They denounce plans of concerted action, and call them tyrannical and papal. Being unable or unwilling to keep rank themselves, they seek to hinder others from maintaining a perfect alignment.

Among those who went forth with David to battle were: “Of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.” 1 Chron. 12: 32, 33.

Among those who kept rank were those who understood the times and knew what Israel should do. Blessed knowledge! We believe that now, as then, to those who “keep rank” God will make known what Israel should do. Our God is a God of order. Sin alone causes disorder and confusion. G. B. T.