COMPLAINERS by A. Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 26, 1877

COMPLAINERS

By A. Smith

Not long ago, on inviting a good brother with whose presence we had not been much favored of late at our social meetings, to be more mindful of his duty on that point, we received for a reply the assurance that he should not attend as frequently as in former times, as the meetings were not as interesting as they used to be.

Now, I thought, the church is not altogether unlike a boat’s crew upon the Niagara,—the current is strong, and the falls not far distant. With their united efforts, the crew can make perceptible though slow headway. A becomes discouraged, and declares that he will do but little more till he can see the boat move faster against the current. B and C decide to follow his example; and tell the captain that if he can alone propel the boat rapidly away from the impending danger, they will lend a helping hand, otherwise, the boat may go over the falls. The captain tugs at the oars; but the boat is so loaded down with the weight of those useless complainers that it is in vain, and all go over the abyss of surging waters together.

Now, if there is ever a time when a church needs the presence and help of strong, active members, it is at a time of spiritual declension or of severe trial; and for any one to stand aloof, and complain about the bad state of things, is altogether wrong, and must meet the frown of the great Head of the church. Why not confess at once, what is true in the case, that such individual complainers are themselves at fault?

If Bro. A keeps away from meetings because they are not very spiritual and lively, Bro. B can just as properly do likewise; and the leader might be left entirely alone. Here the boat’s crew have the decided advantage; for they are all present to witness the slightest success of the captain, whereas the members of the church are all absent, perhaps sleeping over a hearty Sabbath dinner, and the solitary leader, with none to lead, might be too diffident to report a good meeting.

We would say to every strong brother or sister, Stand at your post of duty; endure hardness as a good soldier of Christ; tug hardest at the oars when the tide is strongest. You cannot habitually absent yourself from the public assembly without wronging your brethren, and wounding the cause of God. To the weak and back-sliding we would say, You cannot afford to lose any of the means of grace; they are among the Heaven-appointed means of spiritual growth and vigor. A. SMITH.