p. 168 | Set Things in Order by H. A. St. John

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 25, 1875

Set Things in Order.

By H. A. St. John

“For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.” Titus 1:5.

In the above text is set forth the duty of Titus on the island of a hundred cities. First, to set in order the things wanting, or left undone; and second, to ordain elders. This done in a place, he could pass on his way. But no doubt the devil was just as much opposed to having things done “decently and in order” in the church of Christ in the days of the apostles as at this time, and although things might be set in order, they would not stay, unless some provision was made, and the responsibility laid upon some one to

KEEP THINGS IN ORDER.

Now it is my thought that the above instruction to Titus is full, and that the provision made for keeping things in order is expressed in the words, “And ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.” If this is so, then consider the responsibility that rests upon a local elder. How much he needs to closely connect himself with God, that he may save the flock from the prowling wolves of sin, confusion, apostasy and rebellion, and lead them into green pastures, and beside still waters, and at last bring them to the haven of eternal rest.

H. A. St. JOHN.