p. 51 | Our Present Condition by F. M. Bragg

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 18, 1856

Our Present Condition.

By F. M. Bragg

BRO. SMITH:—I feel that we have abundant reason for gratitude, for the clear light that now shines to the remnant upon almost every subject.

Truly we are a favored people, having the greatest array of truth that has in any age of the church been brought to bear against error.

Yet with this great defense it is powerless without the spirit and power of the truth to set it home upon the heart.

There is indeed a great want of spiritual life among those who profess the Commandments of God and Faith of Jesus. And I think there is a peculiar fitness and force to the Message to the Laodicean church when applied to us.

Without the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, we are indeed wretched, miserable, blind and naked, and in need of all things.

While I have felt an increasing love for plain truth, contrasted with mystical error, I have, in some degree, viewed my own poverty, and I long for a higher, purer position, where I can be less affected by the influence of the world, and have a more close communion with God.

I rejoice to hear any truth that will arouse us from our stupidity. I hope it will settle deep into our hearts. 'He that hath an ear to hear let him hear what the Spirit saith to the church of Laodicea.'

The message is to those that are lukewarm. This cannot be the case with the churches or nominal Adventists, for they are cold and dead. But with how much force should it come home to us who profess the Third Angel's Message, the last message of mercy to this world, when our efforts are so faint and feeble, and our lives so illy comport with this faith.

With almost a perfect theory, we have a perfect rule of life. The Commandments of God and precepts of Jesus. These shine out to us, under the Third Message, with more clearness than ever before. Do we realize that while we are not keeping the precepts of our Saviour we are breaking the ten commandments of God? Christ's teaching is but the ministration of his Father's law.

I believe the sifting time has come, and those who do not repent of the sins that bar Jesus from their hearts, and heed the exhortation to buy gold tried in the fire, (get pure love,) white raiment, (be clothed with the righteousness of Christ,) eye-salve, (receive the anointing of the Spirit,) will soon be spued out of God's mouth. Shall we like ancient Israel, prove indifferent to our sad condition, and the blessings offered by continuing in sin? God forbid. 'He that hath an ear to hear let him hear.'

The prophet speaks to us in these words, 'All ye meek of the earth seek meekness, seek righteousness it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.'

The day of God's wrath is near and hasteth greatly. Soon we shall need a shelter beneath the wing of the Almighty.

Those who heed the message to the Laodicean church have the high and exalted position of communing with the blessed Son of God. He represents himself a humble suppliant at the door of our hearts. Shall we, can we, refuse him admittance? Those who welcome him in will be made like unto his lovely image, and will forever reign with him.

F. M. BRAGG.

Lake Mills, Wis., Dec. 2d, 1856.