Progress in Christian Service
By A. Taber
Bro. Smith: I sometimes feel inclined to write, and again I feel as though the columns of the paper should be filled by abler pens; but this much I can say, I feel willing to do my share of the work allotted to the little band who are trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I feel that there is no standing still point between the time that we put on the yoke of Christ and resolve to work in his vineyard, and the time that we are relieved by the same hand that appoints us our task. Thirty years ago I supposed that I enlisted under King Immanuel, to serve under him the remainder of my life. At that time I thought that to unite with the church, and maintain a good standing in the eyes of the people, was the hight of attainment in this life. I soon found that I could not be satisfied with a standstill position; and having no higher attainments in the church set before me, I naturally took the sliding track; and the law of progression taught me that there was a chance for improvement in the service of the Devil. I was thus improving, when six years ago I chanced to get hold of the Review for the first time. I read it carefully for two years, and thank God, at the end of that time the Bible appeared like a book of common sense instead of a fable and hallucination. I then set out with a determination to obey God and keep the commandments; and I have learned that there is plenty of room for the progressive mind to advance in following the dictates of the Bible. I find the tongue a member that cannot be tamed, unless mind and thoughts are right; for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. And to love God and do unto all men as we would have them do to us is a demand upon us that will take much practice to make perfect. And to so conduct our ways as to give a groundwork for faith and implicit confidence in God's promises needs constant practice and everyday improvement. I feel that I have improved some, and see great encouragement to persevere. One day passed without any gain, is a day lost for ever. Brethren and sisters, you that are scattered, with no one to speak an encouraging word as we are in this place, let us all try to make every day count one in our journey towards that kingdom in which we all hope soon to meet. A. TABER.