Fear Not, Little Flock by E. Everts

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 9, 1857

Fear Not, Little Flock

By E. Everts

"Fear not, Little Flock; for it is your Father's good Pleasure to give You the Kingdom." Luke xii, 32.

THESE comforting words were spoken by our Saviour, rich in import, and full of kindness to them to whom they are applicable. Who would not desire a fitness of character such as would entitle him to receive such a rich boon of heaven; and to live in that period of the church's history, when the "little flock" might by faith meekly claim it?

Where does it apply? The context from verses 36-40, designates. It is at the watching, waiting time, when the Lord is to return from the wedding. These words anticipate danger and perils; for Jesus says, "fear not." What need of this exhortation to courage, fortitude and holy boldness? Is it because those who are addressed are numerous? No: "there are few who are saved." Is it because they are so amply equipped with swords of steel? No: the weapons of our warfare are not carnal. Is it, that they should not fear, because there are no perils? No: for perils are of every kind, on every hand, and formidable.

"The devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he has but a short time." Rev. xii, 12. Paul speaks of the working of Satan with all power, and signs, and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. 2 Thess. ii, 8-10. "For they are spirits of devils working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth, and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." Rev. xvi, 14.

Here is presented the arch foe with all power, working miracles through "them who receive not the love of the truth." Do we watch his mighty strides? Listen to the boast of the spread and wonderful works of Spiritualism! The Protestant churches, from the time of their fall in 1844, have been filling up with spirits of devils, with rapid strides; people having by the church's erroneous creeds, leaning on her wise men's science, falsely so called, marched on from mesmerism, through the varied developments to clairvoyance, spirit-rapping, tipping and moving furniture, playing on musical instruments, writing and speaking, &c., and no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness. 2 Cor. xi, 14, 15.

Can we realize what an awful perilous time it is in which we live? How wonderful are the manifestations now. Spirit-hands are seen to take the pencil or pen, and paint landscapes and sceneries, or write communications in fac simile hand-writing, with the signatures of purported deceased friends. And finally, their purported spirits are seen, and conversed with audibly, face to face.

I feel like crying out, My blessed Lord, O show what the little flock must do in this awful peril, that they may not fear. "Cast all your cares upon God; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith." 1 Pet. v, 7-9.

Yes, we are cited by Peter to the faith as a weapon to resist the adversary with. And Paul tells us in Eph. vi, 10-18, how to stand against the wiles of the devil. He says, "Put on the whole armor of God." Let us, as we read the description of the armor, believe that the Lord will assist us as we strive to put this all-powerful armor on.

"The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God"—the Bible. The Bible, book divine! this is the Christian's sword, and they must have the Spirit as the arm of their strength to wield it with. And the sword must daily be scoured, kept bright in the memory, furnished for action.

We are at this time referring only to one of the sources or phases of the last day perils. Think, O think, of the power and deceptions of the Devil. Do you not beg of the Lord for help? Well, he has declared that "his angels are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation." Heb. i, 7, 14. Think of the old patriarch Abraham; how our Lord and two angels visited him. And at even, two angels visit just Lot, that righteous person, to warn him of impending judgments that were hanging over that wicked city, just ready to fall on them; and to help him to warn the people and escape with his life. Think of the angel that appeared to Joshua, the captain of the host of the Lord. Josh. v, 13, 14. Think how often the Lord has ministered to his children by angels. Think of Gideon, of Manoah, of Elijah, and of good old Daniel; how the Lord watches his dear saints to be a "very present help in time of (need or) trouble." Judges ii, 1; vi, 12; xiii, 8; 1 Kings xix, 5; Dan. ix, 21. Was it needful for our Sa

viour to have angels to strengthen him? View him tempted by the Devil in the wilderness amid the wild beasts, fasting forty days; there angels minister unto him. We behold him in agony in the garden, sweating as it were great drops of blood; then appears an angel from heaven strengthening him. A little space from this we see him in the enemy's power, barred in the sepulchre of rock; then is commissioned an angel from heaven to come and roll back the stone; then is death vanquished, and the grave robbed of its victory. Matt. xxviii, 2; Mark i, 13; Luke xxii, 2, 3; John xx, 12.

Think of Peter in prison, and John on the isle of Patmos, with angels with them. Truly then if God has such care for his saints, the little flock may hope. But then, the straightness of the way is great. It is only those who commit their all to him as unto a faithful Creator, in well doing, that can claim the promise.

But, does the dear saint think that Satan's masterpiece of deception is to "transform himself into an angel of light?" How solemn that moment when Satan's last desperate effort is made to deceive if possible the very elect. Take then my dear brethren the word of God as your weapon, and if Satan comes as a guardian angel in the form of a dead friend, say to him, Depart, get thee hence, Satan; for the dead know not anything; the day that man returneth to his earth, his thoughts perish. Man lieth down, and riseth not till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake nor be raised out of their sleep. His sons come to honor and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them." Job xiv, 12, 21; Ps. cxlvi, 3; Eccl. ix, 5.

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Eph. vi, 16. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Pet. i, 5. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. Ps. xxxiv, 7.

E. EVERTS.