A WORD TO THOSE WHO SAY, AND DO NOT.
By L. C. Canright
Often do we hear individuals express themselves as having confidence in our views, especially in the testimonies; but at the same time their whole course contradicting what they so strongly affirm. For instance, in the writings of Sr. White, which we acknowledge to be of the Lord, we find it plainly stated that the Lord would be pleased to have his people adopt a reform in dress. Test. No. 12, p. 39, ¶2. After this has been fully explained and understood, there are still those who have confessed the truth and reasonableness of it all, wearing a dress far different from the one recommended. Why is this? They believe the testimonies, and the importance of living them out. But, says one, “I am going to adopt the reform dress as soon as I can get the time.” This seems to be the excuse of many, a lack of time. But is there not enough importance to this, viewing it only in the light of health, when the spare moments are so long coming, to take time? But this is not what has impressed me so particularly of late as another thing which has had some weight on my mind. While there are some who have had comparatively little experience in the way, and, as it were, half questioning the testimonies, adopting the reform dress, there are others, as we have said, professing faith in them, with years of experience, still wearing the long dress. Can we not see the influence it must have on the minds of the weak and unbelieving? It reminds me of the illustration used by our Saviour, of a certain man who had two sons; and he came to the first and said, Son, go work to-day in my vineyard; and he answered and said, I will not; but afterward he repented and went. And he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir; and went not. Whether of them did the will of his father? They said unto him the first. Sisters, let us exemplify our faith, not only in word, but in deed.