p. 67 | STANDING ALONE by M. E. McKee

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 24, 1876

STANDING ALONE.

By M. E. McKee

“Can you stand for God, though you stand alone?” This is a question I have frequently asked myself of late. And is it possible to do it—to stand firmly for the truth, though friends should all fail and foes all unite? Let the many who have passed the fiery ordeal answer, It is possible. “Through God,” says the psalmist, “we shall do valiantly; for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.” Ps. 60:12. A wise man will be quite sure that he has the truth before he attempts to defend his position; then, with God on his side, he need not be afraid of the reproach of man, nor tremble at his revilings. He can say, “Truly my soul waiteth upon God; he only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.” Ps. 62:1, 2.

But to stand alone—aye, that word alone expresses a great deal. When it means apart from the great multitude, shut up in sweet communion with God and our own souls, then it is a word of comfort and rest; but when it means cast out, rejected or deserted for the truth’s sake, then it touches the deep fountains of the heart, and the quickened sensibilities feel keenly the agony of the hour. Such persons may find comfort in calling to mind the agony of their beloved Master, who was deserted by those who professed to be his friends and betrayed into the hands of his enemies; and while drinking of the bitter cup they can realize something of the sufferings of Him in whom they trust for recompense by and by.

There are times when it is wisdom to keep silence or to assume a quiet attitude until circumstances demand a decided testimony. It is a good thing to know how to meet such an emergency, and to be prepared to act with wisdom and true Christian courage. The grace of God is especially needed at such a time; and if the spirit be tempered with patience, fortitude, and humility, one may reasonably expect to see the hand of God manifested in his behalf.

“Patience, poor soul, it is night now, but the morning cometh by and by, bright with resplendent beams from the better world. God is a God of justice and of truth, and whatever seems dark or doubtful now will eventually be made plain in the light of Infinite Wisdom and Justice. His word says, “The hypocrite’s hope shall perish;” Job 8:13; “the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate;” chap. 15:34; and that “the sinners in Zion shall be afraid;” and fearfulness surprise the hypocrites. Isa. 33:14.

What! sinners in Zion and hypocrites also! Yes; there is no doubt of it. They walk about with a high head and presumptuous air, causing many to turn from the truth because they are unrebuked. Well may God’s people cry for the day of deliverance to draw near. The time seems long to wait, but God’s hand will ere long be stretched out in behalf of his own cause and people. Faith views it in the distance, and the precious promises gleam like a watchtower o’er the dark and troubled sea.

M. E. McKEE.