A Profitable Day by Uriah Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 21, 1875

A Profitable Day.

By Uriah Smith

THE instruction with which the church in Battle Creek was favored, Jan. 16, is deserving of special mention. Another is added to the many occasions we have enjoyed, in which the Spirit of God has seemed to be especially present to prompt his servants to bring forth just that instruction needed by the people.

Bro. White spoke in the forenoon from Phil. 2:1-11, a rich portion of Scripture, opening a large field of timely and profitable thought. Sister White spoke in the afternoon on the present hour, its duties, importance and dangers. These were set forth in such a manner that we would all could have heard. We as a people, everywhere, need to be aroused to the fact that we are not half awake to the time in which we are living. Events the most solemn of any since time began, now hang over us; a work of the most imperative nature is committed to our hands; an individual preparation of which we have as yet but a faint perception, is to be made; dangers of which we are little aware, crowd our way; and time is dashing on swifter than a thousand rail trains, to the final consummation. Yet how little of feeling there is over these things! How few realize the situation! How easy and contented we all are! How listless and indifferent are the actions that should be performed as if we had sinews of steel and hearts of fire! We have a theory of truth that is clear, consistent, harmonious, and powerful; but we seem to have caught as yet but a glimmer of its awful reality. Oh! that the chilling and dimming mists of this state of sin and unbelief could be lifted, and all eyes be opened to see things clearly.

Almost overcome by the weight of the solemn truths she was presenting, sister W. was hardly able to control her feelings while speaking. A great burden of soul was manifest for this dear cause and people; and her words were some of the most solemn to which we have ever had the privilege of listening. Well will it be for all who heard to heed the timely admonitions, and arouse to newness of life. U. S.