p. 111 | Self-Examination by M. E. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 17, 1874

Self-Examination.

By M. E. Haskell

“EXAMINE yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” 2 Cor. 13:5.

Dear brethren and sisters, are we heeding this command? and if so, how? Are we digging deep, and making sure and thorough work for the kingdom? or is it only a surface work? The vast importance attached to this work demands an assurance with each of us that it is deep and thorough; for nothing short of this will stand the test of the Judgment. It is true that

“To study self is earnest work, And poise the scale with care; And weigh the motive for each work That we're achieving here; “To watch our love for ease and pelf, Then take the steady helm, And steer between the rocks of self And reckless martyrdom.”

But it is possible for us to do it; and every day should witness an advance step in this direction until we are prepared to stand “without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing.” The sands of probationary time are “fast ebbing to their finish.” What is done for ourselves and others must be done quickly, else we shall ere long be “weighed in the balance and found wanting.”

I am well aware that it is far from a pleasing task. So much of self is revealed that in deep anguish of spirit we would often cry out, “Who is sufficient for these things?” did we not know that help was laid upon One who is mighty to save. And we also know that he is sitting “as a refiner and purifier of silver,” and will perfect that which concerns us, if we put forth the requisite effort on our part.

“Let us then be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait.”

And setting our faces like a flint Zion-ward, let us press our way henceforth steadily onward “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Then, and only then will, our influence tell on the right side, and gather ever with Christ. And only then, with all that we have and are fully consecrated to God, can we be successful co-workers in scattering light and truth, and winning precious souls to the knowledge and practice of the truth as it is in Jesus. M. E. HASKELL.