The Higher Plane by H. E. A. Minchin

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 16, 1902

The Higher Plane

By H. E. A. Minchin

H. E. A. MINCHIN

How many there are who live in a turmoil of anxiety in reference to their temporal affairs! They know nothing of relying upon God for their temporal necessities as a little child relies upon its affectionate and thoughtful father. But this is the faith that God requires, and the only faith that he can recognize as such. For, “except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 18:3.

To these care-laden souls Jesus Christ is little more than a historical figure. They believe that he once lived on the earth; and, in a cold sort of way, believe that he is the Saviour of the world. They expect him to forgive them their sins; but as for trusting him for their food and clothing, well—that would be “absurd”! They are “too practical” for that. “God,” they say, “helps those who help themselves.” How very much truer it is that God helps those who cannot help themselves! Dwelling in a cold intellectualism of belief, they know nothing of the warm atmosphere of “trust.”

The One who wishes us to cast all our care upon him (1 Peter 5:7), thus admonishes us in the beautiful sermon on the mount (R. V.): “Be not therefore anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’”

With his hand upon the lever of circumstances, our loving Father in heaven, without whose notice not even a sparrow falls to the ground, is waiting, aye, longing, for us to put away our distrust, and thus allow him to anticipate our every necessary requirement.

Reader, why not step upon this “higher plane”?