The Work is the Lord's.
By R. F. C.
DEAR BRETHREN:—The work in which we are engaged, is the work of the Lord. If it were not so, we might better leave it, and give our attention to something else; but the Lord has given us too much evidence on which to ground our faith, for us ever to despair, or give up our faith and hope. The lamp of prophecy shines bright upon our pathway, the waymarks which have been already passed in our voyage, are a sufficient guaranty that we are sailing by the right chart, and that after braving a few more surges our way-worn bark will be safely anchored in the haven of eternal rest. Do you not hear the breakers roar? That is a sure indication that land is near. As individuals we must steer very carefully between the rocks of Presumption and the whirlpool of Despair; in other words, we must keep on board; for the old ship is safe, our Father's at the helm. The apostle James, in writing to the twelve tribes, has given us some important directions, applicable to the present time. My brethren, says he, count it all joy when ye fall in to divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Again he says, Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Here is no time to lose our patience; here is the patience of the saints. If we will listen to the suggestions of the Enemy, he will perhaps tell us that the ship is in danger; that she is on the wrong course, and that unless we seize the helm and set her right, she will be lost. And then, what everlasting joy to know that we have saved so good a ship! Be patient, brethren, the ship is on the right course; as yet we have met with no danger but what is laid down on the chart—in the last days perilous times shall come—but we need not be frightened, and jump overboard. We may take the exhortation of Paul to his companions, to "abide in the ship," but we shall not get ashore as they did—"on broken pieces of the ship." Thank the Lord! But we have not need of patience only, but of humility. The trials which we meet are such as we need. We have too much pride, and too little humble dependence and trust in God. The Lord has wrought for us, in time past, and manifested among us, in some degree, some of the gifts of the church. Is God less gracious now? No. Have we changed our theory of truth? No. What then is the difficulty? James says, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye men of two minds. . . . Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Speak not evil one of another, brethren. If we observe all these admonitions, we shall do well. God favors the humble, the decided, the obedient. The same Apostle says, Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church. Men of two minds know not whether to obey this, or send for a doctor. We may possibly recover, if we choose the latter; but if we choose the former, we shall not only be raised up, but our sins will be forgiven. The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Whether we live or die, we want our sins forgiven; and how much better it would be, to die in the way of obedience, than to live and not know that our sins were forgiven. Job says, Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. And the Psalmist says, It is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man. If we live in obedience to all our known duties, we shall not die any too soon. But let us humble ourselves before God, and with fasting and prayer desire earnestly the gifts of the Spirit. Let us hold fast the great, crowning truth of the gospel—the Third Angel's Message; keeping our eye on the prize at the end of the race. And let us all have a mind to work, both for ourselves and for others; and we shall see the work of God moving forward, and the remnant preparing to stand upon mount Zion. But let us not be impatient or discouraged, and forget that the work is the Lord's. Let us labor faithfully in our several spheres, willingly and meekly bearing the reproach of Christ, striving to enter in at the straight gate. While we are doing so, we need not tremble for the cause of truth. The Lord will take care of his own cause. He does not need our help. This last message is destined to accomplish the work for which it was sent; namely, to prepare a people for the Lord; and if we are humble and willing to work, we may have a share in the glory that is soon to be revealed. The ship is safe, and we shall be safe, if we are only on board.