Habakkuk 2:1 by A. P. Lawton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 4, 1873

By A. P. Lawton

“I WILL stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say to me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.”

We are to watch what he says to us; not our neighbor or brother. Not to see whether the rulers believe on him, or if it is likely to prove a success, before we identify ourselves with it. God looks with disgust upon a position so cowardly and hypocritical. We are to go without the camp, bearing the reproach of Christ and stand by every word of the Lord though we stand alone.

The soldiers of the revolution (dark and uncertain as it was to human view), in faith and hope took up arms to free themselves from Britain's tyranny. They were a host, we are but a handful, but our trust is not in numbers, but in the righteousness of the cause, and that God who protects the right.

What, think you, would General Washington have thought of a soldier who had made up his mind to wait and see how the battle went, and what the prospects of success were, before identifying himself with the army? Think you that wise commander would intrust such a man with his plans and prospects? It is men and women of faith that God can and will use in the work of the third angel's message. Are any expecting to share in the closing work of this message who have stood by to see how the work goes on without them? Such may not flatter themselves with the hope of richly studded crowns. I would not risk their chance of having any.

God will not intrust his secret with those who have no confidence in the work. We are, by faith, to stand upon our watch, and see what the Lord will say to us; what part we are to act, and be more ready to obey than sacrifice. A proud man may sacrifice; but it is only the humble who obey cheerfully and with all the heart. Dear brethren and sisters, are we doing what we can? Are we punctual at the house of prayer? or are we saying, “There are so few, I may as well stay at home?” If there are few, so much the more need. If there were many, you would not be so much missed, but your loss would be the same. He is not a good soldier who deserts because the ranks are thin. It is true he is more exposed to the fire of the enemy, but what of the few who are left to struggle with the foe?

Such may have a bounty, but they will have no pension. Those upon the watch know that the work is closing, because unto them this secret is committed.

The trumpet is giving a certain sound, and who are preparing for the battle? Those who are sighing and crying for all the abominations that are done in the land, God will prepare. Oh! that men would awake before the coming of Him whose voice will shake not only the earth, but also heaven. The night is far spent. Soon the morning will dawn, and God's own waiting people will see him for whom they have so hopefully looked. The time of trouble is before us, but we have nothing to fear. A thousand may fall at our side, and ten thousand at our right hand, but it will not come near God's own dear people who have the seal in their foreheads.

A. P. LAWTON.

Habakkuk 2:1.