A. P. LAWTON by A. P. Lawton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 23, 1872

A. P. LAWTON

By A. P. Lawton

Restoring.

ACCORDING to the common acceptation of this word, it means to return what has been taken; but it may embrace more.

David said he restored that which he took not away. Zaccheus said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him four-fold. Better be on the safe side, and restore what we have not taken than to withhold what should be restored. It is not sufficient that we confess and forsake our sins, but we are to restore as far as in our power. This tests our sincerity, and is pleasing to God: not that he has need; but we need this spirit: not that God would suffer loss; but we are the losers.

We are too near the Judgment to let the paltry things of earth get for a moment between us and our duty and crown. Soon the means over which we have been placed as stewards, which have been perverted from the right channel, will be cast into the mire of the street, and be trodden under foot of men. We should be in haste. Every moment of delay increases the wrong, and the difficulty of repairing it.

A. P. LAWTON

W. Winfield, N. Y.