WHAT ISRAEL OUGHT TO DO.
By H. A. St. John
I WAS forcibly struck with a remark made some time since by Bro. Amadon, that we ought to be very thankful that there were those among us that knew what Israel ought to do. Truly the Israel of God have cause to exercise the deepest gratitude of heart that this encouraging and soul-cheering statement is a plain fact. When a deluge was impending upon a guilty world, there stood one, who, by revelation from God, knew exactly what people must do to escape the flood of waters. Nor did he keep this knowledge to himself; but for many years he ceased not to warn the world of the great danger, and point them to their only way of escape. Noah knew what Israel ought to do. And when the Lord would destroy the cities of the plain for their great wickedness, there was one to whom God imparted the knowledge of what the righteous must do to avoid the terrible destruction hanging over them. This information was faithfully given, and though the people scoffed and mocked, this did not arrest their doom, but, if possible, only made it the more sure. It did come. Lot knew what Israel ought to do. And again, when God would bring his people from Egyptian bondage to a land flowing with milk and honey, that they might worship him according to his will, with none to molest or make afraid, there were those among them that knew where, and how, to make every advance step in order to secure the blessing of God, and attain the desired object. Moses knew what Israel ought to do. These instances will serve to remind the reader of numerous examples found in Holy Writ, of like character, and illustrative of the same interesting fact. Indeed, in every great work of reform, or preparation to escape danger, God has had living witnesses whom he gave a living testimony, which if faithfully heeded would enable his people to live in his sight. And now, in the closing days of probation, when the last solemn warning to sinful man is going forth, and the great controversy is almost finished, we need not expect otherwise than that God will faithfully instruct his people in what they ought to do. God's loyal, commandment-keeping people are the true Israel. Among them may be found chosen ones intrusted with the special work of warning, instructing, and directing the remnant church, while passing through the dangers and perils of the last days. That such should be esteemed very highly in love for their work's sake, needs no proof. And that Satan should make a special and mighty effort to destroy the confidence of the remnant in their Heaven-ordained leaders is also plain. The Devil has succeeded too well in this work in the past. Oh! that we may all learn lessons of wisdom from what we have suffered. Dear reader, let us seek pardon for our past distrust and unbelief, and cherish the warmest love and highest respect for these worthy, devoted servants of God, and of the church, who know what Israel ought to do. H. A. St. John.