RISING WITH THE MESSAGE.
By J. CLARKE
SAYS a writer, "When a man would raise a shelter against the weather—a shade from the heat of the sun—what preparation of materials, what scaffolding and crowds of workmen, what trenches and heaps of197rubbish! but when God would do the same, he takes the smallest seed that a new born child might clasp in its feeble hand, deposits it in the bosom of the earth, and from that grain scarcely distinguishable in its commencement, he produces the stately tree, under whose spreading branches the families of men may find refuge. To effect great results by imperceptible means—such is the law of God."—D'Aubigne. So it truly is, according to the Saviour's illustration, like a grain of mustard seed. Truly has the poet said: *“God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform,
He plants his footsteps on the sea,
And rides upon the storm.”* And in the history of the third message how do we see this principle carried out. Truly, it is not of man, but at every step of this wonderful message, thus far has contempt been poured upon human wisdom, and the ways and means have so far baffled human foresight. Human pride has been humbled, and the lofty looks of man have been brought low. Increasing light is daily thrown upon the path of the third angel, and blessed are those who walk in its meridian splendor. Blessed are those who follow in the clear light; but all do not so. It is a sad, a lamentable fact, that many are lagging behind, and others are but just discernible in the darkness. Why is this? Why do we not all rise with the message? First, because many do not understand fully the great truths of this glorious message, and the duties and labors springing therefrom. Some imagine that because they are well posted on some points, they stand firm. Such do not understand that Satan is well aware of their deficiencies, and is pointing his darts at these very unprotected parts, and unless they speedily buckle on the whole armor, fatal wounds may be received. Others neglect known duties: children are allowed to mix with the wicked, while home education is almost entirely neglected. Such forget that the only system of education ever instituted by God for the youth and children, is a home education. Let all such parents commit to memory Deut. vi, 7-9. To rise with the message! What is it! It is to daily become more and more familiar with its principles, to carry them out more and more perfectly, in thought, word and deed. There is not a practical precept in the scriptures which the third message does not comprehend in its scope. The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, the Old Testament and the New; the law and the gospel, are here brought to view. He that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth, has arisen and entered the most holy place, where he is performing the last and important office of Priest. Soon, very soon, he is to appear as King, when the work of redemption will have been closed, and every case decided. O how important to come up to the work, lest the curse of Meroz come upon us! O who is willing to labor? Who will arise and put on the whole armor, every piece, so that Satan can find no place? O saint, is thy mind ruffled? Fill it with present truth! Fill thy memory with these precious gems, which will be fuel for reflection in solitary hours. Fill thy mind full, overflowing full, with the pure words of truth. Idlers cannot rise with the message; for labor is required; labor to overcome besetments, to resist the enemy; labor to press with the people of God, in prayer and effort; labor to investigate, and patiently learn, commit to memory evidences of present truth; labor to earn for the cause; labor of watchfulness; labor of prayer and actions. Work then, work for God alone. Disputers cannot rise with the message; for all wrangling for the mere victory is only a hindrance to the cause; and a love of debate for the sake of display is only a display of human pride, hideous in the sight of God, and Christ, and angels, and saints. Then turn thee, O reader of logic, to the love of Christ, and let this first fill thine heart; then shall thy logic, so consecrated, turn to some account. Lovers of this world cannot rise with this message; for it is universal in its requirements. It has the decalogue for its standard of right, and this requires the whole heart, mind, might and strength. Love of the world is idolatry, and idolaters are excluded from the kingdom. Then flee, O half-hearted saint, from earth's vain allurements; flee to the mountain of prayer. Do not pray to stay in Zoar. Make good thine escape. Haters cannot rise with the message; for malice is diametrically opposed to the faith of Jesus, which is a component part of the third message. Love, love is the ruling feature of this faith; then loathe thyself, O hater. Pray for love to dissipate the heat of passion, or envy, or jealousy, or impatience. Come, O spirit of love, and rule all our hearts. Tried one, meet the cruel taunting opposer, with a heart and word and tone and look of love. Let it be deep and lasting. Come, O Lord, and cast out these malicious enemies from all our hearts. Heedless, careless ones cannot rise with the message; for so artful is our experienced and wily foe, that he will surely trip such in some fatal spot, where only his shadow will be seen, as he falls to rise no more. Prayerless ones cannot rise with the message; for they, walking in their own strength, and left of God, fall an easy prey to Satan, who is ever on the watch. Scolding, reproachful parents and guardians cannot rise with this message; for such a course wounds their children, and wounds the heart that ministers such harrowing reproofs, and grieves the guardian angels who have charge of the saints, and thus does despite to the good Spirit. Then be kind but firm, O parent, and leave no effort untried, to win, to pray for, and save thy child. Disobedient children cannot rise with this message; for they break one of the ten commands. Then let us turn, both parent and child; let parents turn to the education of their children, for the university of heaven, and let the children be docile, teachable, true.