True Reformation by C. H. Bliss

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 13, 1875

True Reformation.

By C. H. Bliss

REFORMATION may be progressive or instantaneous; it may be brought about by violent means or by moral suasion; but all history testifies that all reformations of a religious character, productive of great good, have been secured by moral suasion only, and as a consequence they are progressive. When one of the early reformers, who had more zeal than wisdom, entered a church and broke in pieces the images, he introduced a course, which, had it been followed, would have been destructive of the very work he designed to accomplish; and never, perhaps, did the early reformation receive a heavier blow than when one of its friends undertook to defend it with carnal weapons.

Equally disastrous to the real interest of any religious reformation is the manner in which some of its pioneers labor to advance it.

By surrounding circumstances, the spirit of combativeness is cultivated to that extent that the individual does not feel at home unless engaged in religious combat. In discoursing, such individuals will often depart entirely from the subject, that they may enjoy the happy privilege of “tramping upon somebody’s toes.”

Such public laborers will often, under the exciting influence of debate, accomplish a great work (so-called). Great numbers will be converted to the new faith. Some who have combativeness quite largely developed will adopt the new religion because they love the arena of strife; others will accept it because they have been ejected from some other society; others, because the way seems easier; and others will adopt it because some one else has; while a very few, perhaps, are convicted that it is truth, and so receive it with all their hearts. And often, this almost worthless mass of “wood, hay, and stubble” is rolled up together and left to die with the stench caused by its own putrefaction. Such reformations are productive of no good. They are too short-lived. A religious denomination developed under such influences, and composed of such material, will soon show signs of decay. Their cause may be a good one, and their arduous labor and self-sacrifice, praiseworthy; but they are not in a condition that the Holy Spirit can use them. The motive is not pure. Love and mercy are the only principles actuating true reformers.

By the awakening influence of the Holy Spirit, the individual is made to feel and realize to the fullest extent the condition of fallen humanity; and in love, pity, and tenderness, he reaches down his hand to aid his poor erring brother. The true servant of the Lord should not strive, but be gentle unto all men, and in patience and meekness instruct those that oppose themselves. C. H. BLISS.