p. 5 | Tests of Loyalty by Adelaide D. Wellman

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jan 13, 1914

Tests of Loyalty

By Adelaide D. Wellman

PERSONS who have discerningly observed men, are able to judge largely of one’s capabilities and character by seemingly trivial indications.

Likewise, there are tests which to men in general may seem without import, but which to "the Judge of all the earth" are unmistakable indications of one’s disposition.

Thus when a company of military recruits came to a stream, those who were intent on the purpose of the expedition simply dipped up water in their hands as they passed along, without pausing; while those with whom personal comfort was the first consideration, stopped, stooped, and drank deliberately, and were rejected in consequence. Judges 7:4-7.

Another case in line with this is that in which, in a simple ceremony, a rock was struck a second time when it should have been struck but once. To the offender, whose mind was exercised about personal matters, doubtless the number of strokes appeared an unimportant detail. Yet because of the added stroke, his life, which had been one of extraordinary achievement, closed in disappointment, and the ceremony designed to symbolize the smiting of the Rock of Ages "once for all," failed of its significance. Ex. 17:5, 6; Num. 20:7-12.

A present-day parallel to this incident is presented by those who assert that the definite number in the Sabbath commandment of the Decalogue is immaterial — that is, the ordinal number, "seventh," is declared to be immaterial, and "first" is substituted in its stead. The same assertion is not made relative to the cardinal number, else the commandment might be made to read, "One day shalt thou labor, but on the second day thou shalt not do any work," or, "Two days shalt thou labor," or, "Three days," etc.

A popular American army officer was once obliged to court-martial some of his men for requiring the reason for an order before obeying it. Certainly their disregard of military authority was astounding. Yet often men presume to disregard the orders of the Great General, on the ground that they "don’t see what difference it makes."

Sufficient for us should be a "Thus saith the Lord." It is ours "not to reason why," except as we can do so without delaying obedience. There is surely sufficient cause for believing that all the requirements of the Infinite are right. And we shall eventually understand the need for them, if in the meantime we have fidelity enough to comply with them. ADELAIDE D. WELLMAN.

"THE Saviour’s entire life was characterized by disinterested benevolence and the beauty of holiness. He carried out His teachings in His own life. He showed consistency without obstinacy, benevolence without weakness, tenderness and sympathy without sentimentalism. He was highly social, yet He possessed a reserve that discouraged any familiarity. His temperance never led to bigotry or austerity. He was not conformed to the world, yet He was attentive to the wants of the least among men."