Self-Examination by Eugenia Piper

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 26, 1871

Self-Examination.

By Eugenia Piper

“WITH the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Rom. 10:10.

When the refining and purifying work of the Spirit is done in the heart, the confession of past wrongs becomes at once a necessity and a pleasing duty. The natural heart, with its pride and self-love, will shrink from so humiliating a duty; but with the Holy Spirit to help our infirmities, this cross may become a pleasure for Christ’s sake. I want a humble heart. I am praying daily for that meek and quiet spirit, that lowliness of mind, that is well pleasing unto God. In agony of heart I sometimes exclaim, Oh, wretched that I am! Shall I ever attain unto the just and holy requirements laid down in God’s word for his remnant people? I realize that there is a great and blessed work to be wrought in my heart ere I am counted worthy to have the seal of God upon my forehead, and be numbered with those who are saved. At times I am pained beyond measure, at the exceeding sinfulness of my heart. I do not always esteem others better than myself. I do not always carry a spirit of kindness and good will, that would prompt to pure, unselfish acts of love for Christ’s sake. But this I must do regardless of the results. In one thing I am certain, I must strive for the victory. I am too apt to reflect the spirit of those with whom I associate, and unless I exercise great watchfulness and prayer, am apt to do and say those very things I condemn in others. Oh! how displeasing this must be in the sight of a just and holy God; whereas, I ought, when in contact with inconsistent or lukewarm professors, to show a better spirit, and set a double watch over my words and actions, lest the truth have none effect, or bring me into greater condemnation.

Time is too short to delay any needful preparation to receive the full blessing of God. And what do we accomplish without his blessing? I must be vigilant on my part, lest I be spewed out at last. I cannot bear the thought, after all my efforts, of failing just in sight of the prize, as we are told many will do in the sifting time. The declining state of the churches indicates this time as near at hand. Many are lured from the lowly, cross-bearing life of their Master, into the broad, free, and easy way. Many are being shaken and tossed with the wild commotion of doubts and fears. Few will keep humble enough to cling to the anchor that will save them. I often ask myself, Shall I be one of them? Satan’s malicious arts are exercised against all. Who will escape? Will you, my friend? Will you, neighbor? Will you, my brother? Will you, my sister?

Shall we confess, and forsake, and find pardon, ere it be forever too late? A little tribulation, a little persecution, a little suffering of body and mind, only a little compared with many others, only a little for Christ’s sake, and then—life eternal. Who would not buy at such a price? By the grace of God I mean to keep trying. Will not you aid me by your prayers, that with you I may inherit the kingdom? EUGENIA PIPER.