REFLECTIONS by William S. Ingraham

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 22, 1860

REFLECTIONS.

By William S. Ingraham

NINETEEN years of my religious life have passed away, and I am led to inquire, What improvements have I made? So far as my purpose is concerned it remains the same. Under the proclamation of the first angel's message given by Bro. Miller, I made up my mind to make a start for the kingdom of God. From that time to the present I have been urging my way onward toward mount Zion. I have at times enjoyed much of the presence of the Lord. At other times with David I could say, All thy waves have gone over me. Surrounded with temptations, overwhelmed with sorrow spiritually and temporally, my whole being for a time seemed to be crushed to the earth. My feelings I pent up in my own bosom; for no one could I find to whom I could give vent to them, that could rightly appreciate them, so as to give words of comfort, and lift me above my trials. But there is one whose dwelling is not with flesh, before whom we can spread out our feelings. One that can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.

"He knows what sore temptations mean, For he hath felt the same."

On him we can rely. In him we can safely confide. He is our helper. To him I will fly. Upward he will bear us until the clouds and storm are under our feet, and eagle-like we gaze upon the cloudless sun. There is a large place for us to occupy. The heart must be cleansed. Through the truth we must be sanctified. The way to life is narrow. Not every one that saith, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. We must die to this world, and live for God. When we are wholly given up to the cause of God we can have the blessed assurance that our ways please him. We shall carefully tread the narrow way, fearing lest we grieve the Holy Spirit and those heavenly messengers that are sent forth to minister unto the heirs of salvation.

I am satisfied that the church is on the background. We as a people have not got out of a lukewarm state. We are faulty in many respects. Notwithstanding the sharp testimonies that have been given in the Review from time to time, they have been disregarded, and some are following their pernicious practices, which reflect shame on themselves and disgrace upon the cause of Christ. Brethren and sisters, let me say in the fear of God, If you ever enter the holy city, idle conversation must be stopped. Finger-rings, bosom-pins, pipes and tobacco, must be thrown to the moles and the bats.

Not long since I was perfectly astonished to see one of our brethren out to meeting with his pipe and tobacco, and before he left the place he had to take a smoke. It was evident that "shameful speuing was on his glory." Hab. ii, 16. Such persons will have to be washed soul and body before they are fit subjects for the pure city of God. Somebody will be spued out of the mouth of the Lord. Some have already lost their interest for the truth, and are sinking into dead formality. This is evidence to my mind that the counsel of the true Witness has not been heeded by them; and they are sinking to rise no more. We are living in a solemn time; and do we realize it? Do we believe that Jesus is soon coming? Are we hearing the last call of mercy? The gentle dove is rising from earth to depart. Soon, yes, very soon, our prayers will be past, our labors ended, the saints saved, and the wicked damned. Solemn thought! Are we ready to hail this auspicious morn with delight? Time rushes onward, hurrying the inhabitants of earth to their final doom. If we go to sleep, we are gone. One more struggle and the victory is ours. All heaven is interested in our behalf. Brethren, strike, O strike anew for the kingdom; and may the blessing of the Lord rest upon us. WM. S. INGRAHAM. Galva, Ills.