p. 10 | Some Reflections by C. McREYNOLDS

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Aug 25, 1904

Some Reflections

By C. McREYNOLDS

C. McREYNOLDS

In 1862 the precious truths of the third angel's message came to my mother's humble home in Johnson County, Iowa; and as a lad of only eight years I was taught to honor the Sabbath, and love the way of God's commandments. Six years later I made a public confession, I was baptized by Elder J. N. Andrews, and became connected with the church. My life has been one of joy; for I have been constantly looking for that glad day when I shall see my Saviour coming “in all his glory.”

Very early in my Christian experience I read in “Early Writings” of the “shaking time,” which would just precede the loud cry of the message. When the rebellion of Snook and Brinkerhoff came, we said, “The shaking time has come.” Quite a number, especially in the middle States, were led away, and gave up their faith first in the testimonies of the spirit, and very soon in other points of the special message given to this people. Later, when the cause had grown to larger proportions, D. M. Canright became disaffected, drew off, and took a good many who had their faith pinned more to men than to the pillars of truth which God has committed to this people. We were quite sure that was the beginning of “the shaking.” Since then men have come up and gone down, not a few, until we have seen the folly of placing our confidence in the puny arm and wisdom of men. And we have seen that the “shaking” is not to come by the apostasy of one or more prominent workers, but by a condition of slumber, worldliness, and carelessness which settles over a large class “who do not prize victory enough to agonize and plead for it.” The company thus described were left behind in darkness, and lost sight of.

Those who are negligent of the messages of warning, reproof, and instruction that are being given to us by the Spirit of God through the Testimonies are growing more and more careless concerning spiritual life and the interests of the kingdom of Christ, our soon-coming King. Confidence in the message and courage and zeal in the work of God for this time are inseparable. Those who have this confidence are being inspired to put forth almost superhuman efforts to co-operate with him who is to “finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness.” And that work is being done, thank the Lord.

For more than forty years I have watched with great care and interest the leading of the Spirit of God in connection with this work, and in all the experiences of the past the Lord has led by unmistakable evidences those who were faithful to him. But in no former movement or work connected with this message have the evidences been so clear that God is leading his own work as in the move to, and establishment of, his work in Washington, D. C. He has spoken in no uncertain terms to his people. Then let our minds be clear and stayed on God, our spirits free, our hearts filled with love for those perishing in darkness and sin, and our souls will be full of courage in this closing work. We shall see victory just ahead, and shall co-operate in the establishment of his work in this nation's capital, and wherever he calls. My life is renewed with certain hope of positive victory, and I praise God for the waymarks of his providence. In his name we will lift the banner high, and march on to victory.