THE FAITH OF JESUS by Editor

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Aug 19, 1852

THE FAITH OF JESUS.

By Editor

"Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Rev. xiv, 12.

In our last, we noticed the distinction between the commandments of God, [the Father,] and the faith of Jesus, [the Son.] Also, that the language of the text shows that the faith of Jesus is that which must be kept, as much as the commandments of God, and that it embraces all the teachings of Christ and his apostles, peculiar to the gospel dispensation.

We made a few remarks upon Christ's Sermon on the Mount; that none ever preached closer than our Lord; and that every lover of truth and holiness should protest against lowering the standard raised by the Son of God. Here we will quote the words of truth that fell from his lips.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.—But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matt. vi, 19—24

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils! and in thy name done many wonderful works? and then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me ye that work iniquity. Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it." Matt. vii, 21—27.

The storm of wrath, illustrated by our Lord at the close of his Sermon on the Mount, is coming, and will soon burst upon the world. Those only who hear and do his sayings will be like the man who built his house upon a rock. They will stand unmoved in the day of the Lord's anger. But those who hear Christ's sayings and do them not, will be like the foolish man, who built his house on the sand. Such will not abide the day of his coming, or stand when he appeareth.

Let the above quotations from our Lord's Sermon be carefully considered. If he meant just what he said, (and if he did not, who can tell what he did mean?) then it is a fact that while the mass of professing Christians are merely saying, Lord, Lord, and are laying up treasures upon earth, but very few are building on the rock. But few are doing these sayings of Christ.

Many, who even profess to be looking for the immediate coming of Christ, are buried up in the cares and spirit of the world, and are laying up treasures on earth. They are reaching out after riches, and are slaves to mammon, while they profess to serve God, and also profess to believe that the Advent is very near. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

The truth is, that they have no real faith; for a man's works will show all the real faith that he possesses. Their faith is dead, for their works deny it. Such are living in direct violation of the sayings of Jesus, and if they continue on, will find, when the storm of God's wrath comes down upon this world, that they have a sandy foundation, and great will be their fall.

"Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." It will be readily admitted, that to keep the commandments of God is to obey just what God has commanded in the ten precepts of his holy law. Then, by the same rule, the only way to keep the faith of Jesus is to obey all that Christ has in person, and by his inspired apostles commanded us to do. God, in giving his law, meant just what he has said, and it is our duty to obey.—Jesus, and his inspired apostles, in pointing out our duty have spoken plainly, and we must obey or perish with the ungodly.

It is a lamentable fact that but very few are doing all the sayings of Christ. And it is also true that many who profess to believe that the message of the third angel is now being given, who rejoice that they are keeping all the commandments of God, come far short of obeying all the testimony of Christ and his apostles. We do not wish to grieve any; but God forbid that we should shun to declare the truth.

We see those who profess to believe that the last message of mercy to man is now being given, who are worldly, lukewarm, and almost entirely inactive in the cause of present truth. They have so many cares, and so much to occupy their time at home, that they can seldom spare time to leave, and meet with their brethren at a distance. They deprive themselves of the means of grace, remain in almost a lifeless condition, yet toiling to lay up treasures here, or at least to keep good what they have. Such are merely saying, "Lord, Lord," are not laying up "treasure in heaven," but are accumulating treasures here, or are holding together what they have, to be destroyed in the day of wrath. And while they profess to be the servants of God they are slaves to mammon.—With feelings of tender love and pity, we say to such, wake up! For your own soul's sake, for Christ's sake, and for the sake of his suffering cause, arise, and break the cords that bind you to earth.

We are aware that many are unpleasantly situated. Some are occupying farms, houses, &c., for which they had paid only a part, when they embraced the present truth. They are now in debt, and have to make great exertions to meet their payments. They would be glad to help sustain the cause of truth, but they cannot see how they can spare any means. They would be glad to spend more time in studying the scriptures, and attending meetings, but they see no other way to meet their payments, but to toil hard, early and late, six days in the week. We say the condition of such is very unpleasant. But are they not laying up treasures on earth? Certainly they are. It may not be convenient for all such to make an immediate change of their property, so as to be free from debt, and have means to help sustain the cause; but it certainly is their duty to make strong efforts, and God will open the way for them to keep his word.

"They that say such things, declare plainly that they seek a country." Those who profess to believe that the last message of mercy is now being given, should declare plainly by their works, that their treasure is not in this world, and that they seek a heavenly country. Those who say such things in the presence of God, angels and many witnesses, should show plainly, not only by their words, but by their hands, and by everything around them, that they expect soon to change this state of woe, for a priceless treasure in the kingdom of God.

What if one should talk much of moving thousands of miles to enjoy the benefits of a better country in this world, yet not make the least effort to settle up his business, in order to make a change of possessions?

No one would believe him. But if he should close up his business, and make preparations for moving, then he would declare plainly by his works, that he really intended to move.

Many who profess to believe in the immediate coming of Christ to restore all things, and give them an inheritance in the New Earth, instead of closing up their business here, and laying up their treasure in heaven, are extending their business, multiplying their cares, and are servants to mammon, which they are laying up in this world. Such declare plainly by their works, that their heart and treasure are in this world, and that here they intend to remain. And unless they change their course, and keep the saying of Christ, they must remain here and perish with their mammon, their own chosen master which they serve. "No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." The sealing angel is to seal the servants of God, and not the servants of mammon.

Dear brethren, we are about to move. Are we getting ready? The angel proclaiming the everlasting gospel, [Rev. xiv,] has accomplished his great work, and as the thrilling tones of his message died away, the world grew sleepy, and now seems wrapt in deep slumber. The second angel also fulfilled his mission, which brought us to the great disappointment at the end of the 2,300 days, where the period of the patience of the saints commenced. And we are now in the period of the solemn and cutting message of the third angel. Is this a time to sleep, while the threatened storm of the wrath of God hangs over the world?—O, may God awake us to a sense of the period we occupy, and to our duty to him, and perishing souls around us.

The next event before us, after the last call of mercy contained in the third message shall be given, is the final decision: "He that is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still." Rev. xxii, 11. The next link in the prophetic chain of Rev. xiv, is the Son of man on the "white cloud," with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand, ready to reap the harvest of the earth.—

The treasure of earth will then perish, and the real servants of God will move from this poor wreck of a world, that is waxing old like a garment, to the City of God to share the treasure laid up in heaven.—While those who love the world and the things that are in it, and are the servants of mammon, will perish with those who are trodden in the winepress of the wrath of God. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

Our Lord has definitely pointed out the duty of the little flock; in the time of the patience of the saints, while waiting for their Lord to return.

"Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms, provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding, that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately."

We need not say that this scripture has a special application to that period, called the patience of the saints, the period of the third angel's message, for this is very evident from the fact, that it is when we are to wait for our Lord. As the little flock are pursuing their onward course, amid the perils of the last days, and are about to enter the time of trouble, this language of the Great Shepherd is applicable: "Fear not little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Their Lord is about to come, and the kingdom is soon to be given. The treasures of earth are about to be swept away, and

here is an opportunity for the little flock to manage what earthly treasure they have, so as to obtain "bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not." Is their heart really set on the treasure in the heavens, to be given to the little flock? If it is, they will obey this saying of Jesus, and lay up their treasure there. "For where your heart is, there will be your treasure also," says our Lord.

But how shall we lay up treasure in heaven? Our Lord has said, "Sell that ye have and give alms, provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens." Here is a change of treasure from earth to heaven. And how reasonable for those who profess what we, as a people profess, to make such a change. Those who talk of the world's conversion, may heap up treasures here; but those who expect that the wrath of Almighty God is soon to be poured out on the earth, may with great propriety use this world's good, so as to secure a treasure in heaven, that will not fade away. How unwise for those who profess to be the servants of God, to toil on here to obtain mammon, until sudden destruction, like a thief, comes upon the world, and destroys their treasures, and they find out too late, that they have no treasure in heaven.

"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me, and of my words, in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father, with the holy angels." Mark viii, 36—38.

We dare not keep back any portion of the faith of Jesus. It is unpopular to teach all the commandments of God, and he who dares to do it, makes himself a prey. But it is no less unpopular, and shameful in the eyes of proud, worldly professors, to teach all the faith of Jesus. But he that is ashamed of the words of Christ, of him will the Son be ashamed.—Our only safe course is, as Paul exhorted Timothy, to "preach the word," and reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. "For the time will [has] come, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

But very few who have riches can endure the plain testimony of Christ, relative to their duty. God has chosen the poor of this world to be heirs of the kingdom, because they will serve him. He would choose the rich, if they would obey his word; but the "cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word," and they "become unfruitful."

But it may be asked, What shall our brethren do with their earthly treasures? This is an important question, and one that should claim the special attention of those who have several thousands; for it is evident that they have but a short time to make a judicious use of it. They should not give of their property to support any one in idleness; for this the word of God forbids. Hear what Paul says:

"And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us; for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you; not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busy-bodies. Now them that are such, we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed." 2 Thess. iii, 5—14.

Neither should those who have means bountifully bestow it upon every one who may profess to be called of God to preach. They should remember that they are God's stewards, and must soon give an account of their stewardship. They should first be satisfied that they are called of God to teach, before they give them means to travel.

Men and women, void of judgment in spiritual things, are frequently fond of traveling from one State to another to attend meetings, and are sometimes very active in pointing out the duty of others, when they are perfectly deceived as to their own duty. Their influence is to distract the brethren and weaken the cause. Such had better remain at home, and quietly work and eat their own bread, and have something to give those who are called of God to travel.—We say that the stewards of the Lord should not give their means to such.

But there are men of God, called to the work of the ministry, who feel the weight of the cause and worth of souls, for God has laid it upon them, that must go with the last message of mercy, to mankind. They must have means of conveyance, and if they have families, they must be supported at home. All that any true minister of Christ can ask is suitable food and clothing for himself and family, if he has one, and this he must have or remain at home. He leaves his family to be from home weeks and months, labors as hard as he dares to, in preaching to many whose hearts are hard as steel, and wears himself out; and how his heart must bleed to know that his family is suffering at home for the comforts of life. What a load would be raised from his spirits to know that they were well provided for. How much more free and spirited he could preach, and how much more good he could do.

But says a wealthy brother, "He should go out trusting in the Lord." So he should, and if he is embarrassed for want of some of the means you are laying up to "eat your flesh as it were fire," he should not murmur, but go on trusting in God, and doing all in his power. And if he is hindered in his work for want of means, and souls perish for want of the bread of life, God will not lay it to his account, but to the account of those who have means, but withhold it. It certainly is the duty of those called of God to teach his word, to trust in him who has called them. And it is the duty of the church to hold up their hands, by their prayers and with their means. The church should inquire, and find out the wants of the minister of Christ, and also of his family, if he has one; and the minister should be free to tell his needs.

Extra exertions must be put forth now to advance the cause of truth, and the surplus, after each supplies his own wants, and the wants of his family will not be sufficient to carry it forward.

God calls upon the church to make extra efforts to advance his truth, and the surplus, after each has supplied the wants of his family, is by no means sufficient. Those who profess to have laid all upon the altar, should remember that a sacrifice consumes, and that God calls on them to use a portion of what they have laid on his altar, in his cause. Here, hundreds are greatly deceived. They think they have laid all on the altar; but when the bleeding cause of truth calls for a few dollars, they draw back, and plainly show, that instead of all being on the Lord's altar, they have it grasped in their own hands.

It is a fact that the wants of most those who have gone out to teach the present truth, have been generally supplied. But it is also a fact that there are those among us, who are capable of teaching the word, who are men of piety, calculated to set a good example, and produce a good influence on the cause, who give good evidence of being called to the work, who are detained at home much of their time to labor with their hands to support their families. And if they could leave home for a few days to feed perishing souls with "meat in due season," they have no horse and carriage to go with. The Macedonian cry, "Come over and help us," is being heard from all quarters, and the way is fast opening before us to spread the truth before sincere inquirers.

Now brethren, shall these men stay at home, when you have the means to send them out? Or, shall they go out into the wide harvest? "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Ps. cxxvi, 6. Let them go, brethren, in the name of the Lord. See that they have suitable conveyance, and also that their families are comfortable at home. Let them have publications to put into the hands of those who inquire for the reasons of our hope, and as these servants of Christ go, bear them in the arms of your faith, to the throne of God. Never forget to pray for them.

This is the greatest object we have to set before those who have treasures here, to induce them to obey the command of Christ, "Sell that ye have and give alms." And if this object is not of sufficient importance to lead them to obey this portion of the faith of Jesus, we think that nothing will move them.

But we are satisfied that those who really love God, and desire to do his will, and see that the faith of Jesus mentioned by the third angel, as well as the commandments of God, must be kept, will be moved to lay hold of the work before them.

To be continued.