HOW SHALL WE RISE? by M. E. Cornell

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 1, 1857

HOW SHALL WE RISE?

By M. E. Cornell

HAS been the language of many hearts, since the true condition of the Laodiceans was made manifest. Many have realized their lost condition, and have made some effort to extricate themselves from the darkness, but have failed, and some are now sinking in discouragement; how to rise they know not. Darkness prevails. O how sad is the condition of many at the present time. After all that has been written concerning our forlorn state, some among us receive no burden, and do not seem to be in the least troubled. As the prophet says, “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall,” &c. Jer. vi, 15.

There are others that have mourned over their wretched condition, but have made only very faint efforts to rise; have not heeded the admonition to “be zealous and repent.”

Some have manifested much zeal and have moved out earnestly, but not in the right direction; they have a zeal without knowledge. How exceedingly mortifying and discouraging it is to us when we have made a zealous effort to get into the light, to find, alas, that our move was entirely wrong.

It is important that we should have humility enough to begin in the right place, when we commence to remove stumbling-blocks; lest we sink into worse confusion, and greater darkness.

“Be zealous and repent,” is an individual work; our attention is directed homeward. “Thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” The beam is in our own eye, and we should not be looking at the faults of others, before our own eyes are anointed. By looking in the gospel glass we may see how we stand and by continuing therein may be blessed in the deed. The glass is “exceeding broad,” comprising all that God has revealed for the remnant, first and last. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that ye may be healed.” This requires humility and meekness, therefore the Prophet says:

“Before the decree bring forth, seek meekness,” &c. If we would rise, we must begin in the right place, and in the right manner, and then persevere with all diligence until we have gained the victory.

My past experience in some of these things has been sad indeed. I desire henceforth to move in the light or not at all. I would not try to steady the ark without directions, or in my zeal overlook the weightier matters.

I am glad the Lord is still giving his servants the burden to write out our present condition in the Review. Its result will soon be told, and it will be known who are on the Lord’s side,

“O spare thy people, Lord, And give them full salvation.” M. E. CORNELL.