Editorial by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Sep 19, 1912

Editorial

By Editor

Don't Be a Knocker

CRITIC, croaker, grumbler, growler, kicker, knocker,—these are all different names for the same class of individuals. They may be found in every community and among all nationalities. We meet them in social life, in the business world, and, sad to say, sometimes in the fellowship of the church. They pride themselves on their foresight, their keen sense of justice and propriety, their good judgment, and their own righteousness. By their conceptions of right and duty, they seek to gage the conduct of their fellows. They are the self-constituted guardians of faith, conduct, and morals.

But whatever these individuals may think of themselves, and however high they may rate their own value, it must be confessed they always prove to be leaners instead of lifters, and hinderers in place of helpers. They never bear the burdens, but stand by and criticize those who do. They show no spirit of sacrifice for the cause of Christ or the relief of the poor, and credit with ulterior motives those who manifest this spirit.

Evils and wrongs in every cause should be righted, and we exempt from the above classification those who in the fear of God and in the spirit of the Master undertake such service. But the ones who right the wrongs are not usually the sour-spirited members of this negative class. Rather they are the bright, cheerful, helpful souls who look through the mist and cloud to the blue above, believing that God still rules in the affairs of men.

The only hope for the unfortunate class of people represented by the term knockers is a different viewpoint. They need a new conversion of heart, a renewal of spirit. Don't be a critic, a croaker, a grumbler, a growler, a kicker, or a knocker; pray earnestly for those who are. Be a Christian, a great, whole-souled, humble, patient, charitable, devoted, cheerful follower of the Master.

God Shall Supply All Your Need

WHAT a picture is presented of the work of God in the earth to-day! Here is a little company of believers numbering a few thousand, a small company indeed compared with earth's millions, among whom they are living to shed abroad the light of the truth of the gospel, and to represent in their lives and experiences the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Some are living in earth's great centers, in the midst of the mad rush and whirl, the bustle and din of commercial life; others, in earth's solitudes: some are in so-called Christian lands; others, in the midst of heathen darkness: some are surrounded by associates of like precious faith; others are alone among unbelievers and in the midst of opposition. The gospel minister before public audiences is seeking to hold up the cross of Christ. The Bible worker is endeavoring to carry forward the same work in the family circle. The faithful canvasser travels from door to door, carrying the printed page to homes. And in the confines of quiet neighborhoods, fathers and mothers are endeavoring by godly lives to train their children for God, and to bring their neighbors to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

What varied experiences are represented! How much of joy and sorrow and pathos and heroism are represented in these lives! What varied needs are presented before the Father of mercies! but his grace is sufficient for all. The blessed promise through the apostle is, "My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

God sees every one of his little flock. Day by day his care is over his children. Hourly his hand is reached out to save. His eye follows the canvasser as he journeys from day to day upon his labor of love. He takes note of the faithful mother in the home; of the faithful father as he goes forth to his daily toil; of the minister in the desk; of the Bible worker in her round of service. He sees his children in earth's great centers. He sees the lonely isolated ones. He takes note of his faithful soldiers in heathen lands.

He knows the trials of us all. He recognizes our weaknesses; and like as a father pities his child, so the Lord pities us. He loves us with an everlasting love. From our place in the world's great work, wherever it may be, it is our privilege to reach up and take hold of his mighty power. Men to-day are not compelled to go to Jerusalem to worship. The Lord is as near to his people in India, China, Africa, and the lonely islands of the sea, as he is to those who are living at the great centers of his work. Every reader of this paper, however remotely situated from his brethren, may come as near the throne of grace, and is privileged to take as strong a hold upon the mighty source of power, as is the highest official in this denomination.

Thank God for this blessed democracy in Christian service; for this individual connection with heaven; for this direct communication between God and man. Let us reach up then, wherever we may be and whatever may be our circumstances, and grasp the divine help within our reach, realizing that we are God's heritage, and that because we are his own, he loves us with the love of a father. From him we may draw supplies of grace for every need. He is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. "He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." Our weaknesses and our needs are our strongest appeals. By permitting him to come in and fill us with his fulness, our weakness may be made perfect in his strength, and our lack supplied in his great sufficiency.

F. M. W.