Reform by A. P. Lawton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 2, 1872

Reform.

By A. P. Lawton

MANY of us, after all the light we have, but partially (if at all) have entered its practice. It is true we have left some things, but who among us does not eat too much of even plain food? It is a delicate subject, and difficult to be corrected. If reproof is needed, those who do not eat enough (if there are any) will apply it to themselves, and will eat less; while those who do, will think it is applicable, but not to them, surely. If gluttony is indulged in, it must be at the expense of intellect and spirituality. Large eaters are rarely close thinkers.

God's people are prone to backsliding. How easy to relapse into the same error we supposed to have been corrected. We cease to watch the gap, and the enemy again enters. The sacrifice that was smoking on the altar, ceases, and we again find ourselves on the enemy's ground. So weak is human nature, and slow to learn from the things we have suffered; especially is this true of the appetite. I have sometimes thought it is one of the most potent means of the enemy to destroy God's people. Our judgment, from past experience, should be our guide. If Paul died daily, so must we. There is no time now for looking back to Egypt, and sighing for the flesh-pots. Eternal life is worth the sacrifice. May the Lord help us to pay the price. A. P. LAWTON. West Winfield, N. Y.