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Lessons from the Flood

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 27, 1916

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 21.

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Lessons from the Flood

By C. McREYNOLDS

AFTER the raging torrent from the mountains around Loma Linda had done its work of destruction and had passed by, after the last family had returned home or had been housed in safety elsewhere, and some hasty preparations had been made, the Sabbath drew its quiet shade over the scene, and brought peace and gratitude to tired hearts.
A few assembled in the chapel as the hour for the regular meeting came. Only a few could be there, for many were cut off by the flooded district, and many were exhausted from the two days of hard work and severe strain, with no rest.
In the testimony meeting many told of the lessons they had learned from this experience. One brother, a cripple, said, “I could not get out and help, so I sat by the window and watched. The wind blew over first one tree and then another. The larger ones fell, never to rise; but I saw three small ones blown over while some roots remained in the ground. These will be trimmed and braced up, and will probably grow again. But those with large, spreading tops and very little root must be cut up and dragged away.” So there are many who make large pretensions, but have little root. Those can never stand the trials; while humbler ones who are rooted in the Word may bow before the winds of trial, but will rise again. This brother spoke, too, of how we had all disposed of our lamps and come to depend upon electricity. When the crisis came, we had no lamps and could scarcely buy candles, so were in darkness, because we had depended upon others’ light. The lesson was drawn that we need to have experience for ourselves, and not depend upon another’s.
One sister had noticed how ready every one was to work and to help in every possible way. “Everybody has been so busy there has been no time for criticism.” It is strange and sad, but sometimes true, that trials must come to draw God’s people together.
C. McREYNOLDS.