POWERLESS IN OURSELVES by J. E. C.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 12, 1892

POWERLESS IN OURSELVES.

By J. E. C.

BY J. E. C.

In a certain neighborhood a wealthy man owned several machines, and for a long time had been threshing all the small grain that grew for miles around. On account of his wealth and his long, successful experience in his business, he was able to guarantee satisfaction and no delays in his contracts.

His son assisted him, and he became skilled and successful while under his father's management. There came a time however, when, on account of his skill, the son grew wise in his own eyes, and he thought if he were manager he could do the work a great deal faster and better. For a long time he thought over his bright plans, becoming more and more dissatisfied with the restraints placed upon him by his father, until, finally, he determined to break away from all control and organize and manage a business of his own, in which he could try any changes he desired.

He used all his money and credit to secure a thresher and engine, took a large contract, promising to forfeit its value if he did not give satisfaction, and went to work.

Alas, for his bright hopes for the future, his pride, and his plans! The first hour of his boasted improvement brought him entire failure. His machinery in all its important parts—both separator and power—was broken beyond his ability to repair; and he found himself moneyless, and with a heavy debt on his hands. He was ruined.

His father, hearing of his disaster, and unmindful of his ingratitude and impatience when under parental restraint, came to him to offer him assistance. The broken machinery showed that the warnings he had given were wise.

The father now offers new machinery throughout to his unhappy son, but with this condition: his own well-tried plans must be adopted and faithfully followed in the future. Could he consistently grant such aid on any other conditions?

What will the ruined son now do? He sees himself disabled. Even if supplied with a new thresher, his engine—his power—is entirely unfit to perform the work required, being broken.

Will he proudly refuse to acknowledge his fault, and cling to his own fancied wisdom, and through life suffer the discomfort and disgrace his folly has wrought? or will he, like an honest man, confess his folly and ingratitude to his father, receive his favors, and enjoy the prosperity which will follow?

This imperfectly pictures the case of the unconverted person in the sight of our Heavenly Father.

Even if we were whole again, we have no power to do the work,—to live lives of holiness.

I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in his own power; it is not in man that passeth away to direct his own steps. Jer. 10: 23, Jewish Version.

Our Father offers to make us new creatures, and to give us his own power to enable us to perform life's duties perfectly.

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth. Isa. 45: 22. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, . . . that we should walk in them. Eph. 2: 10. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. 1 Peter 1: 5.

Shall we allow our vanity and pride to control us, causing our lives to end in sorrow and disgrace? or shall we, like honest creatures, break our proud hearts, confess our faults, and be received into the confidence of our dear Father's family, adopting his ways and accepting his power so freely offered?

His ways are perfect. His plans are tried. The power he offers is almighty. Full written directions for using the power he gives are furnished in his holy word.