A Call to Fasting and Humility
By E. Goodwin
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I feel to sympathize with you in your trials and afflictions which you are called to endure, and pray God that they may work for your good and the good of the suffering cause of God. I have been somewhat discouraged of late, and a little affected by these papers from the west, but I now believe them to be the work of Satan, and I think if ever there was a time when God's people needed to fast and pray, and humble themselves before God, it is now. It is evident to me, that for a year or two past, there has been a backsliding from God, a conforming to the fashions and customs of the world. Pride has crept in, and God's Spirit has been grieved, and he cannot work for us until we humble ourselves and consecrate ourselves anew unto him. For these, and other things, I believe God has suffered that scourge in the west to be raised up, that it might humble us, and lead us to seek him with all our heart. O how important it is that all that are called of God to be leaders, or teachers, should shed a holy influence, and set holy, Christ-like examples before the little flock; in all things showing themselves patterns of good works; in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that they that are of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of them. Therefore, also now, saith the Lord. Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting and with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your heart and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God; for he is gracious and merciful, and slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach that the enemies of thy truth should triumph over them. Wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? Joel ii, 12-14, 17. I believe that when priest and people thus humble themselves before God, he will verify his promise unto us: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Isa. xli, 10-13. Brethren and sisters, let us arise and gird on the armor anew, and live wholly to the Lord, and square our lives by his Word. Then shall we have confidence in the Lord, and can claim his promises as ours, and believe that all things work together for good to them that love God. Through the grace and mercy of God, I am determined to be an overcomer by keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. E. GOODWIN,
Nov. 26th, 1854.