Heavenly Wisdom by E. O. Hammond

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 15, 1875

Heavenly Wisdom.

By E. O. Hammond

How much we need this precious grace as we pass through this world which lies in wickedness. The Christian’s pathway is a rugged one; but it is nevertheless a pathway lit up with beams of heavenly light. Said Jesus, “Ye are the light of the world.” God causes the glorious light of his countenance to shine upon his people, and they in return reflect that light upon those around them. In our weakened and degenerate state we need much help from God, that we may know how to act our part on all occasions—that we may know how to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men who falsely accuse those who are willing to come out and be separate from the world by faithful obedience to the requirements of God.

Again, our Lord has said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.” Salt is valuable for its preserving qualities. God would not have destroyed Sodom if there had been ten righteous men found there. The reason why God’s terrible judgments threatened upon the world are stayed for a time is because there are a few honest souls here and there who will yet hear and obey the truth. We need wisdom from Heaven that we may know how to reach them with the truth. The apostle James points us to the source from which we may receive the help we need. He says, “If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not.” But this is a conditional promise. Our importunate cries may go up to Heaven until the day of doom, without availing us anything unless we comply with the conditions, which are found in Prov. 2: “If thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures, then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”

The Lord has given us great light through his word and his testimonies, and here is where we should search to find out his will concerning us. If we do this, at the same time lifting up our voices to him for the aid of his Holy Spirit in understanding his truth, we shall surely receive the wisdom we so much need. Had the disciples obeyed the injunction of the Saviour and faithfully searched the Scriptures, which testified so plainly of his life and character, his sufferings and death, perhaps he never would have had occasion to say to them, “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.” Let us be careful that our feet be not taken in the snares of Satan by our carelessly neglecting to read and re-read what God in his great kindness has spoken to us.

E. O. Hammond.