Dangers to which the Remnant are Exposed.
By Editor
THE accounts of the prosperity of the cause, which we daily receive from the brethren East and West, are indeed cheering. There is not only a steady increase of number, but an evident growth in grace with those who believe, and have a mind to work for the Lord. But with all our prosperity as a people, probably there never was a time when the remnant were more exposed to dangers than at the present time. Let us not forget that we are in the perilous times of the last days, and that Satan is ready to deceive us if possible in one way if he cannot in another. This fact should not be forgotten. We will here point out some of these dangers. 1. While the position we occupy is perfectly satisfactory to the mind, being sustained by the plain word of God, and while enjoying a degree of the Holy Spirit, there is danger of resting down on a theory of the truth for salvation, without living out, in all the walks of life, its holy principles. There must be a daily searching of heart to see if in all respects it is right with God. Without close self-examination, comparing words and acts with the Word, and bending all the energies of the soul to press heavenward, no man can walk with God amid the perils of the present time of apostasy and spiritual wretchedness. It is true that God has set his hand to gather his people into the unity of the faith, and bring them to Mount Zion; but in order for God's plan to save us, there must be corresponding action on our part. 2. There is great danger of "the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches," choking the word of truth in many, and they becoming unfruitful. If the cares of this world fill the mind, there can be no place for thought of heaven, the truth, and a thorough preparation. "The deceitfulness of riches"—mark well the phrase. What! riches deceive? Yes, nothing is so well calculated to eclipse the glory of the heavenly treasure, and shut the soul up in the darkness of this poor world, as earthly treasures. Some are becoming unfruitful and feeble in the truth, and the things of the Spirit of God, and are sinking and dying by reason of "the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches." Reader, beware! 3. A few may be in danger of moving too hastily in using that over which God has made them stewards. To dispose of possessions so as to throw off all care, and live in a careless, idle state, would be a sin against God, and would result in sure spiritual death. "Not slothful in business," as well as "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord," will be the duty of those not called of God to labor in his cause, until the day of the Lord shall come. It is to be regretted that any of those who preach the Word, should travel by public conveyance long distances, spend considerable means, and tarry but a day or two in a place, and accomplish little or nothing. Such a course is a useless waste of means, and precious time in traveling, and is calculated to weaken confidence in the spiritual judgment of those who teach the truth. A too free command of means might greatly injure an inexperienced brother. We know from the history of the past, that it has injured some. 4. There are many calls for laborers, those who can give the reasons of our faith. And as some who should be in the field are bound at home for various causes, and these calls grow more urgent, there is danger of some taking it upon themselves to teach, without being called of God to the work. They may have some apparent success, a few may embrace the truth through their labors; but this is by no means a certain proof that they are moving in the order of God. It is sufficient to say, that those called to this holy work will give unquestionable evidence to the church that the hand of the Lord is moving them, if the people of God stand in his counsel where they are prepared to judge. The cause of present truth in some places, has suffered as much in time past, by the injudicious course of some who have run without being sent of God, as from any other source. Brethren, while you look around on the wide harvest field, and see but very few laborers and witness the numerous calls for help, pray the Lord of the harvest to raise up and fully qualify men, who shall feel the weight and responsibility of their calling, and who shall have judgment in the things of the Spirit of God. But be careful and not urge any poor mortal out into this work who is unprepared to labor for God. 5. There is with some, danger of fanaticism. We as a people believe that it is the plan of God to restore to the true church, prior to the Second Advent, the gifts which he set in the gospel church. There is no more evidence that He who set them in the church has himself taken them away, than there is that he has taken away his Sabbath, and left us with none, or given us a new one. And while the Spirit of God is moving upon his people, and while the special operations of the Spirit are witnessed, Satan thinks it a favorable time to urge the unguarded soul to move beyond the Spirit, and confusion will follow. Here we will say, that the work of the Spirit of God is perfectly intelligible to God's people. The Apostle, speaking on this subject, says, "How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation.—Let all things be done unto edifying." 1 Cor. xiv, 26. Let this last clause be weighed well. The Apostle continues: "And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets; For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." Verses 32, 33. Here, then, we learn that the object of the gifts and operations of the Holy Spirit is the edification of the church. God is the author of peace, and his work, in all its forms or points, will move on in a sweet harmony, "unto edifying" of the church. Those who are blest of the Lord, and are especially moved by his Spirit, will possess the fruit of the Spirit, which is "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Gal. v, 22, 23. O! what delicious fruit! Much is comprehended in these words. "The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets."165 False exercises may be known also by their fruit.—"Ye shall know them by their fruits." Those who have them, will generally be found to possess an exalted, unteachable, unyielding spirit, unknown to the gospel of the Son of God. And such "puffed up," deluded ones are sometimes so positive and unyielding, as to set aside the judgment of the entire church, vainly thinking that God is leading them in the way to heaven alone, leaving their brethren all behind.—Disorder and confusion must be the sure result, where such spirits are suffered to teach and rule. And let it be remembered that God is uniting his people, that his work is intelligible to the saints, and that every spirit that is calculated to scatter, should be closely watched. But let not these remarks bind the feelings of the faithful who are seeking for more of the Holy Spirit. It is your privilege to share it largely. But all the operations of God's Spirit have a special meaning, and are designed to unite and edify the church. 6. There is danger of some of the brethren making too much of small points. It is true that "times" (the beginning of the year, months, and the day) have been changed by the power of the "Little Horn," as well as the "laws" of God. And the Word plainly points out our duty to engage in the work of repairing the breach in the Law of God; but does it also plainly teach that it is our duty to change back again these "times"? We think not. True, we should commence to keep the Sabbath according to the original division of time; but we see no command, or real necessity for changing time-pieces, as some have done, to correspond with the ancient manner of numbering the hours of the day. We have not the least objection to this change, unless it is made an important item of present truth, then, with our present light, we shall object. We have thought of the propriety of leaving the use of the names given to the days of the week, which are Sunday, Monday, &c., and call them First-day, Second-day, &c., and probably shall; but to change back to the ancient time of commencing the year, the months, &c., we must say that we have not time to bestow on such an arrangement. And if there is any duty binding on us in this matter, we fail to see it. The mass of men are prejudiced against us, because we observe the fourth commandment. Should we go into an entire change of all these times, back to ancient reckoning, might we not needlessly create still more prejudice, and keep some from coming to the truth? Satan wants to get us from the great work. Let us be on our watch. We have endeavored to point out some of the many dangers to which the remnant are exposed, and hope that what we have written may prove a timely warning to some, and a blessing to the precious cause of truth. May God add his blessing.