A Worthy Example by J. O. Corliss

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 1, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 17.

A Worthy Example.

By J. O. Corliss

THE following is an extract from a letter from a lady in Oregon to the secretary of the N. P. Tract Society:—

"The two books you sent me are received. 'Thoughts on Daniel,' I like very much. I understand what I never would, had I not read it. Please send me the canvass and circulars for the SIGNS. I want to get subscribers for it. I will also try to sell 'Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.' I would like a paper for my little girls; one that will instruct them. I do not want a trashy paper, like most of those published for children, but a good instructive paper with pictures. If you have one of this kind please send me a copy. I see by the last SIGNS that there is to be a camp-meeting in East Portland. If you will let me know what the cost of board on the ground will be, I will try to have my husband attend the meeting with me."

This lady's husband is a skeptic. She herself has heard but two discourses on present truth. She has, however, been judiciously supplied with reading matter, and, as the result, rejoices in the truth, as her zeal to work in the cause shows. Would that others who have had far greater advantages could appreciate the value of the truth, and manifest it in an appropriate manner. If all who know the truth theoretically had a zeal according to knowledge, what rapid strides we should see in the work of carrying to the world the Lord's last message of mercy.

It is possible, after having learned the way, to shut our eyes to it. Surely it were better not to have known it. Said the apostle, "Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonorest thou God?", Rom. 2:23. While those to whom these words were addressed were doubtless guilty on the points indicated in the preceding verses, those points are by no means the extent of one's possible guilt. There are many ways in which we may break the law, one at least of which is altogether too common with some.

In his summary of man's duty to his fellow-man, as comprehended in the law, Christ said, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." How any can profess to keep the law and yet manifest no anxiety to help others to the light of truth that will save them, we confess we are not able to see. For if we love our own souls enough to sacrifice time and means for our salvation, and really love our neighbor as ourselves, it follows that we will bestir ourselves to do something at least for their eternal interests. Surely, God's commandments are "exceeding broad."

"Love is the fulfilling of the law," reiterates Paul to the Romans. Not love for ourselves and our interests merely, but a love for others and for their welfare. The injunction to the Philippian church, "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things [affairs] of others," is in harmony with this great principle of the moral law. If then we have the indwelling of that love which is the fulfilling of the law, how can we see those whom we know have no knowledge of the truth going to the Judgment, and we remain unmoved in their behalf? Does not such an attitude plainly declare that we are violating one of the principles of that law we profess to keep?

The cause to-day wants men and women of unbending faith and dauntless courage, nerved by the Spirit of God to go forth as reapers in the world's great harvest. The work is great, and some of the toilers are already worn. Who will help in this important time? The last note of warning will soon be sounded, and then will be sung the "harvest home." God has provided a way by which all may work according to their capacity. Those who will not do this, will have the mortification of seeing others step into the ranks, and bear the standard of truth on to victory, while they themselves will be left behind. Who now will arouse and labor for the Master? J. O. CORLISS.

East Portland, Oregon.