Running To and Fro by John Matteson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 16, 1870

Running To and Fro.

By John Matteson

The curse is resting more heavily upon the earth. This is manifest not only in the awful increase of sickness, imbecility, and death; but also in the many destructions, earthquakes, storms, freshets, drouths, and other extremes in the atmosphere, surrounding this earth. Yet Satan throws a peculiar charm, now over one portion of the earth, then over another. Thus people's attention is drawn west, south, north, and then again east; and there is a wonderful restlessness, which is very destructive to a religious life.

One year there is a good crop in Kansas, but it fails perhaps in Ohio. Now Kansas is the place. Next year perhaps the crop fails in Kansas (as is reported of the southern counties this year); but Ohio does well. Now the East looks more charming, and there is a rush out from Kansas again. Thus it changes more or less all around.

Brethren begin to think like this: Six years ago when I lived in such a place, what good times we had there; but here everything drags hard. They become dissatisfied with their condition, although they have plenty to eat and to drink, and wherewith to be clothed, and have a home, and conveniences far better than hundreds of other men. Such murmuring and complaining is certainly very sinful in the sight of God, and very injurious to a growth in grace. Let not Satan deceive you. If you should go back, you might find the place changed very much. Even if there is poverty this year, the curse may fall on that place more heavily next year. Satan makes everything look charming at a distance. Unbelievers are becoming more and more interested in this world as its destruction draws near. Let God's waiting people beware. Godliness with contentment is great gain. If we have food and raiment, let us therewith be content.

Brethren, let us cease to dishonor God by murmuring and complaining; but rather give thanks. Let our hearts be filled with love and gratitude to God for the good things he does give us. Let us be afraid to get too much of this world's goods, lest it become a weight to us and sink us into perdition. God will lead us aright in this world, if we trust in him. Let the great burden of our soul be to daily live near to the Lord, until sweet joy, hope, and peace, shall fill our souls. Lay aside every weight, or business, that will hinder the work of the Spirit. Cut loose, cut loose from this dark and deceitful world. Watch and pray. For in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man will come. Hasten on to the world of light and glory. There the people of God find sweet and eternal rest in their Father's house with the dear Saviour. JOHN MATTESON.