p. 155 | Cool Formality by A. J. Edmunds

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 28, 1873

Cool Formality.

By A. J. Edmunds

ARE we not becoming cold and formal like other churches around us when we meet from Sabbath to Sabbath and pass in and out of the meeting house with simply a cold and distant bow; or, perhaps, a fashionable shake of the hand? Do you not remember that when we first loved the Saviour, we loved everybody, and the cheerful, “How do you do,” and hearty shake of the hand, indicated this beyond a doubt? Brethren and sisters were encouraged by so doing, and sometimes even sinners were influenced to seek Jesus by witnessing so much love manifested by his followers. When the lonely pilgrims come many miles to meet with those of like precious faith, how cheering to be greeted thus. It kindles anew their love for Jesus and the cause of truth. But when coldness is manifested toward them, they return to their homes in sadness. When we all arise out of a lukewarm state, this icy coldness will be dispelled by bright rays from the throne of grace. Then will the children of God be perfectly united; then will the lonely pilgrim not long be a stranger among us, but will feel that he is at home, and more than welcome to our society.

A. J. EDMUNDS.