HARD TIMES A TEST OF FAITH.
By W. N. G.
THE following clipping from the Christian Home is food for thought on the part of those who are doing the work of the Lord:— God has promised that his grace shall be sufficient for our every hour of need, and he has ever been, and is now, faithful unto his promise. We know in whom we trust and rejoice moment by moment. No matter what financial complications may result from unwise legislation, no matter how many banks may fail, nor how many factories may close their doors, the work of the Lord will not suffer, if we have faith in him. He owns the gold and the silver of earth. He is over and above them both, and will not permit his work to suffer on account of fluctuations in the value of either, as measured by man. Let it be our joy and pride, dear fellow-laborers, to show to the world that in times of depression, as well as in times of prosperity, we are true to the cause of the Master. In no way could we preach a more powerful, practical sermon to a doubting world than by thus demonstrating our trust and faith in Him who is good and whose mercy endureth forever. The message due to the world at the present time is represented as being given with a loud voice by flying messengers. Rev. 14:6–12. Must their speed stop and their loud voice become faint because of the fluctuations in the world's business? The theory is that the resources of heaven are pledged to the work of salvation in the earth. Shall we treat it as only theory, or shall we plant our faith on the fact that the bank of heaven cannot fail? The hard times cry was once illustrated on the northern bank of the Sea of Galilee. There were "about five thousand men, beside women and children," out in "a desert place" with nothing to eat. The little church of God was also there, and while they saw the great need of the suffering multitude, they felt powerless to help, because their whole apparent supply was but five loaves of bread and two little fishes. But the Master said, "Give ye them to eat." In obedience to his command they engaged in the good work, and, lo! his blessing upon their little store made it more than enough. Brethren, shall we slacken our efforts because the multitudes are suffering and money is scarce? The Master would say, This is the time to manifest the power of God. The more the people are in need, the greater the necessity for enlarging our plans. If we curtail our efforts because the people have no money, it will look as though it is the money we are after. Would it not be better to seek the blessing of God upon our little store, and go on dealing out to the suffering world in the faith of Him who never fails? Never mind the stinted crops, never mind the failing banks, never mind the closing mines, the hushed factories and mills. The people are hungry; "give ye them to eat." W. N. G.