WELL DONE by M. WOOD

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 1, 1879

“WELL DONE.”

By M. WOOD

You will find these words, dear reader, recorded by the inspired penman in Matt. 25: 21, 23. They are evidently designed to teach us a practical lesson. The Bible contains both practical and theoretical lessons, and many seem perfectly satisfied with the latter, and work upon the plan that what is mine is my own. In the parable of the talents recorded in Matt. 25: 14–30, we find a beautiful promise, soul-inspiring, and well calculated to stimulate and quicken our energies to work in the cause of God. But I fear that in many instances we lose sight of the real facts, and work as though we believed in the plan of universal salvation.

From the text referred to above, we can come to but one conclusion, that those who have done well, been faithful unto God according to the talents intrusted to them, will enter into the joy of their Lord. Is this boon of priceless worth given to those who thought to do well? Is it reserved for those who wait for a more convenient season? Is it for those whom God has made stewards over his household, and who have proved recreant to their trust? Is it for those who have run well for a season, but have become so captivated by the world and its evil influences as to lose their love for the truth? Is it for those who pocket their hundreds and thousands year after year, and yet permit the cause of God to be cramped and crippled for want of the means committed to their trust? Is it for those who with a well-filled purse allow their periodicals stopped, because they have either lost faith in the message, or are too penurious to renew their subscription? Is it for those who cease their efforts, because they can see no immediate

good arising from their distribution of reading matter? Is it for those who grind the face of the poor into the dust of the earth? Is it for those of whom the prophet Malachi speaks in chap. 3: 8?

These are pertinent questions, and well worthy of our consideration. Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven.” It is God’s will that we improve upon the talents given to us, whether five, two, or one. God does not require us to perform impossibilities. What we need is to be wholly consecrated to him and to his service, to have a spirit of meek submission to his righteous will. Like the patient ox, we should be ready for either the plow or the altar. The reckoning day is fast approaching. Brother, if you have but a single talent, put it to usury, lest you hear these dreadful words spoken to you: “Depart from me, thou wicked and slothful servant.” “He that knew his Lord’s will, and did it not, shall be beaten with many stripes.”

M. WOOD.