Double-Mindedness by H. A. St. John

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 13, 1874

Double-Mindedness.

By H. A. St. John

“A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8. This defect of character, unfortunately, attaches itself to a large majority of the human race; and believers in the present truth are not clear in the matter. It works terribly against real advancement in the divine life. Such persons may be termed fitful Christians, serving God by fits and starts. Such are not reliable, not to be depended upon; and steady progress in the heavenly way is out of the question.

When it is fair weather and prosperous sailing, these individuals are very hopeful and of good courage; but, let storms arise and darkness press around, they are fearful, doubting, and halting, and think it of but little use to try longer. Some of these unstable souls have much ability, and might exert a gathering influence, and save their own souls, if they would only cease to halt between two opinions, and be wholly and continually on the Lord’s side. At times, they feel quite sure that the third angel’s message is being given, and the remnant people of God being made up; and again, they doubt the whole matter. Poor souls! they must find deliverance from this very unsafe condition or utter ruin will be their doom.

Does any one inquire what to do? the answer is at hand. The apostle points to a sure remedy. “Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded.” James 4:8. Here is a work to do. And while the anxious soul seeks to do all in his power to get right, he must cry earnestly to God for a clean heart and a right spirit. No humble, importunate petitioner at the throne of grace was ever yet rejected.

Now, while amid the perils of the last days, while the long-suffering of God is waiting, we need abiding faith. There is no place for cowards in this fierce and final struggle. Soldiers of Christ, arise, and gird on the whole armor. A fearful conflict approaches; but it will result in a glorious triumph to all true soldiers under the blood-stained banner of King Immanuel.

A lack of union in a church or body of people is attended with about the same results, to a greater extent of course, as double-mindedness in an individual. Believers in the third angel’s message are united, to a wonderful degree, upon all points of Bible truth. An increase of brotherly love and a closer union in faith and action should be earnestly sought for. We hail with joy the dawning of better and brighter days. Thank God, it is not too late for wrongs to be made right. Jesus lives and pleads, and can still be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, if we feel them ourselves, and come humbly to the great Burden-bearer.

God’s chosen instruments to lead in this great work should be very highly esteemed in love, and all should feel in duty bound to stay up their hands by all rightful means. We want to learn experimentally what it is to submit one to another, and to esteem others better than ourselves. When the remnant people of God shall so love each other that to them it will constitute an evidence that they have passed from death unto life; when they shall be one as Christ and the Father are one;

“When love in one delightful stream, Through every bosom flows; And union sweet, and dear esteem, In every action glows;”

Then we shall see a large ingathering of souls, and the work of the Lord prosper gloriously. The latter rain is coming, surely coming. Arise, cold-hearted, feeble, or lukewarm professor, and seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit. H. A. ST. JOHN.