Faith and Works by Adolphus Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 18, 1870

Faith and Works.

By Adolphus Smith

The burden of the testimony at the Charlotte Camp-meeting, was the necessity of obtaining a saving faith in the Advent movement. A lack of this is almost universally apparent. The cause of this lack is found in the almost overwhelming influence of the powers of darkness upon minds that have not been fully regenerated by the Holy Spirit operating upon the moral nature; not by one grand stroke of death, but, like the effluvia of putrescent marshes upon the physical, engendering slow, creeping disease and decay. A revival of this faith is an act necessary to salvation. Summary punishment will be inflicted upon the servant who shall be found sleeping at the time of his Lord’s return from the wedding.

How shall this faith be revived? Many are looking for some astounding event to arouse them to energetic action. To such, whatever may occur, the event is not the one anticipated, and they relapse again into more profound slumber. Others are seemingly quite aroused, look about them, and talk; but continue to lie upon their backs and do nothing. Only those who work can keep awake.

But what shall we do? The very first move should be, to get up and get out of the way of others. This we may do by confessing our wrongs and forsaking our sins. A general confession is proper as far as it goes, but we must bring in the items, just as in settling an account in dollars and cents; and if there are any items that we have forgotten, ask our brethren, or neighbors, and they may refresh our memories; or pray to the Lord, who will impart the necessary wisdom.

Having got right ourselves, we can help others. Does thy brother walk disorderly? Go to him in the spirit of love, and you can help him.

Brethren and sisters ought frequently to see each other, and talk over their spiritual standing, and adjust differences that may exist between them, with a spirit to suffer-wrong, rather than to do wrong.

The good servant is always looking for opportunities to please his master. So ought we to serve Christ. Perform little duties cheerfully—in the family, or anywhere we may be placed. In the social meeting we should act our part, which is always important, and if well performed, will administer grace to the hearers. Be ready with a psalm, a hymn, an exhortation, or prayer, flowing from a heart filled with the love of God; and though language be broken, we may encourage the desponding, and strengthen the weak. ‘A holy life speaks volumes for God.’ We should be ‘living epistles, known and read of all men.’

There are acts of mercy to be done for the poor and the sick. And above all, the cause of present truth must not languish for want of means. A religion that does not reach the pocket, is not very profound.

When we reflect that what we spend in the cause of God, is kept in store for us, and is as money laid up in a sure bank of deposit; when, though we sacrifice all in the cause, it is as though we sent it on before us into the everlasting kingdom, which we so soon expect to inherit; it is a wonder that there should be any lack of means; on the contrary, that there should not be an overplus, and a command be issued, as at the building of the tabernacle, that the gifts should be stayed.

The day of the Lord is near, and what we do we must do quickly. Soon there will be no difference between the rich and the poor among the saints; for all will be driven from their homes, and depend for their bread upon the ministering hand of the angel of the Lord. Let us act while we have opportunity.

ADOLPHUS SMITH.