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Let the Light Shine

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Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Jun 10, 1875

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 1, No. 31.

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Let the Light Shine.

By Calvin C. Ward

OUR blessed Lord has commanded us to let the light shine. He says, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." This language is applicable to Christians in all ages of the world. But it might be said to have a special application to those who are living now as we are living in the last days, as those days are pointed out in prophecy as dark and perilous. The present truth is very clear, harmonious, and powerful, yet for all that thousands of honest-hearted men and women are ensnared in the entanglement of sects, and creeds, and traps of Satan. How necessary then that we who have the true light should let it shine forth in all its brightness, and thus be trying to point others in the narrow way.
What solemn events are just before us. The Lord is soon to come. Hear the language of Peter, "What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness." Here Peter was speaking with reference to the coming of the Lord, which has now become present truth. The sure word of prophecy shows that the end is very near, even at the door. We should be in earnest showing to those around us that we do believe the things we profess. How necessary to get right before God, and have his Spirit dwelling richly in our hearts. One decisive evidence of Christianity is brotherly love. Hear the words of Jesus, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." The manifestation of this, while it is among the brightest evidences of true religion, is among the most powerful means of leading men to embrace it. The beloved disciple John says, "We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren."
Oh! how many opportunities are daily passing for us to show the light. We may show the light in many ways. By deeds of kindness to our neighbors and by our earnest conversation on the subject of present truth. Are we dead to the world and alive to the great work? If not, let us arouse. The Lord is soon coming, and will reward those who faithfully try to let their light shine. Have we friends who need the light? Then let us send them tracts and papers, and with earnest prayers and tears ask God to bless them. If we only are guided by his Spirit, we cannot act too much as though we believed the coming of the Lord was near.
Calvin C. Ward. Maiden Rock, Wis.