STRENGTHEN THE THINGS THAT REMAIN.
By J. Clarke
Not long since a flying report came to our ears, that a band of Sabbath-keepers somewhere, were turning back to Sunday-keeping. We have not yet found out where they are. Oh can it be, now, when all the wicked world are uniting with a fallen church in upholding the counterfeit sabbath, that any should leave the genuine Sabbath? just now too, while the Third Angel's Message is going forth? Satan is very busy to overthrow the saints, and well does he know our weakness, and how to take advantage of us while we are off our guard to give us a trip, and cause us to stumble, or throw a cloud of unbelief over us. Well he knows that if he can get us discouraged, then is his time to tell us that all is of no use; or some other suggestion, which he follows up with another, and then another, until he, the arch seducer, often gains his point. Oh brethren, let us be always in the way of duty, always in the Spirit, always on the alert, watching our hearts lest pride steal in, or vain glory, or carnality, or mammon, or some other sturdy foe, and steal away our peace and usefulness, and perhaps our crown. Who shall feed the scattered flock, and keep them in the fold, while hungry wolves, hypocritical dogs, lurk around outside to snatch the fattest of the flock for their remorseless hunger? What mortal tongue can reach all the agonized ones, who alone in secret mourn the fall of Zion? Who but the great master Shepherd? Turning back! Oh is it possible? Yes it is possible. We have only to displease God by lukewarmness, unbelief, worldliness, unwatchfulness, pride, or a thousand other little ways, by a single one of which, unrepented of, persisted in, we tempt our holy High Priest to withdraw his sweet, consoling, strengthening presence and leave us in awful darkness. Darkness! spiritual darkness! Oh how terrible for a moment to realize this withdrawal of the Spirit, more appalling to the child of God than earthquake, famine and pestilence, more to be dreaded than any earthly woe. Who then will feed the scattered flock?
Who will warn them of Satan's devices?
Who but the great Shepherd can lead the flock by the still waters, among the verdant meadows? He is able and mighty, but he employs under shepherds, whose duty it is to feed the flock with wholesome food, to protect the flock from the prowling wolf and beasts of prey. But alas! this is a cloudy and dark day, and the sheep are scattered upon the mountains, and in the valleys, and upon the plains. Here are a few and there a few, and while the shepherds are worn down with watching and labor in one quarter, the enemy is busy in scattering and dividing and devouring in another. But should this reach some lonely one away in some secluded spot, dear saint, take courage. Look up, for your redemption draweth nigh. Strengthen the things that remain that are ready to die. Strengthen thy poor tempted brother or sister. Pray without ceasing.
J. CLARKE.