Be Diligent, by E. M. Hutchins

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 29, 1858

"Be Diligent,"

By E. M. Hutchins

“That ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless.” 2 Pet. iii, 14.

The importance of the moments in which we live, should certainly lead us to a faithful improvement of them all. We have a great work to do, and the sun of our probation will quickly set. The harvest will pass, and the summer end, and with these the last mercy-drops for the sinner. Unless we are diligent, we shall be found not having our work done, and consequently unprepared to stand. Where is there one that would be willing to be thus found when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels? Who, without a preparation, can hear the burning glory of that day? Can such stand beneath the gaze of him whose eyes are as a flame of fire, which will search his children through and through? O, brothers and sisters, what a preparation we need for this solemn event! Nothing, save clean hands and a pure heart, will make us secure in that day. We must be "without spot and blameless." But how are we to attain to this? Certainly not by making a slight effort now and then, and at other times resting inactive and unconcerned. But we must put forth a mighty effort, and that continually. We must be "diligent." Every nerve should be strung to action, and we should take hold of this work as though our all depended upon our course; for indeed it does. Eternal life is at stake. By diligence, we may obtain it, but if we slacken our hands, lay down our watch, and cease to strive, all is lost!

I feel intensely while I think on this subject. I know the people of God have been often warned. Repeated testimony from heaven has been given, and yet by many, it is passed wholly unheeded. Such remain stupid and careless, and do not seem at all in earnest to put away sin, and perfect holiness in the fear of God. And the thought that they may not be found of Christ in peace, appears to move them but little. How long will it be thus? O that such would feel, and be led to action while the Saviour’s bowels of compassion are moved for them.

Can we expect to realize the hope of the christian, to be made welcome to the tree of life, and partakers of the joy of heaven, and to sit with Jesus on his throne, if we are unwilling to comply with the requirements of the word of God? What! sit down on the throne with Jesus, who humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, without suffering any for his sake? Can those who are unwilling to give all, yea, honor, wealth, friends, self, and all, expect a reward so rich? Rather it seems to me, when all is laid upon the altar, our life with the rest, that it is indeed a wonder of mercy for God to accept so poor an offering. Yet for the sake of his dear Son, he will. Praise his holy name. Yea, my heart says praise the Lord.

“The soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” Prov. xiii, 4. We cannot expect much of the grace of God while indolent, careless and unfaithful. God calls for laborers (not idlers) in his vineyard. Especially now in the close of the day of probation, while we are “looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God,” should we “give diligence” to make our “calling and election sure.” The Lord cannot verify his promises unto us, and give us the help that we must have to overcome, unless we are faithful to fulfill on our part.

The truth we prize so highly has been brought to us at a sacrifice. It can be carried to others in no other way. A covenant must be made with God by sacrifice. But will it be done grudgingly, or of necessity? Certainly not by those whose hearts are in the work, for “God loveth a cheerful giver.” Such will not only give cheerfully, but liberally.

Can it be that any of the love that dwelt in the bosom of the Father when he gave his Son, or of the Son when he laid down his life for sinners, dwells in the hearts of his professed people, who refuse to give of their substance to forward the truth to perishing souls? Will a christian grasp unyieldingly his possession, or count it a great sacrifice to give a few dollars made of the shining dust of the earth, to save souls? Let those who feel thus, stop a moment and reflect on the sacrifice of the Son of God, who left the bosom of the Father, and the glory of heaven and came here and led a life of suffering, then yielded it up on the cross for us! Should not the cheek of

such an one mantle with shame, as we draw this contrast? Is it too much, brethren and sisters, to give all for Jesus’ sake? Can you not make a transfer of your means to heaven, where it will be safe? Do you not want to provide for yourselves bags that wax not old, a treasure in the heavens which faileth not? O be diligent in this respect, lest you be found wanting, having no inheritance in the “land whither thou goest up to possess it.” Get “the earnest” of the kingdom which is about to open, and its beauties unfold before the people of God, and this earth will cease to attract you as it now does. Buy the “gold tried in the fire,” and the treasures of the world will look, compared with that, like the veriest dross.

Many of us live and talk the truth as though it was fiction, and not a reality. This not does affect sinners and lead them to tremble. In the world, fiction is presented as truth, and it takes a deep hold. Its effects may be seen. If we would get the truth deep in our hearts, then live it, (which we must do if we go to mount Zion) and show our faith by our works. It would tell powerfully for the cause of God. O, then, let us go about this work, and begin now. The faithful and true Witness has declared because we are lukewarm he will spue us out of his mouth. Before we are aware, perhaps, this may be done. We know not how long God will bear with his people, who do not heed the injunction, “be zealous and repent.” But one thing is certain, we cannot begin too soon, nor be too much in earnest. In view of this, is it not needful for us to be “diligent,” that we may be found of him in peace.

E. M. HUTCHINS.