The Power of Christian Testimony
By E. S. Griggs
Bro. SMITH: I have been thinking while reading the cheering epistles in the Review from our dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad, of the good effect our testimonies may sometimes have when least expected, if given in the Spirit of Christ, either vocally or by letter. Though the language be ever so broken, the composition ever so incomplete, yet coming from a heart warm with the love of God, it possesses power to reach the hearts of those addressed, to pour the healing balm of consolation into the breast torn by affliction and grief, or calm the troubled spirits, where none of the studied compositions of the most learned authors of the day possess power to affect in the least. This has with me at least, of late, often been the case, and I have been led to thank God that there were yet a few who could speak forth his praises from the sincere emotions of the heart; also that there were other few who were willing to listen to such plain expressions of sentiment. Not only this, but composition and exhortation are in many ways beneficial to ourselves, especially when we go forth in the path of duty trusting in and imploring the guidance and help of our heavenly Father. For one I feel desirous of improving upon every talent that God has given me, to exert my every power in striving to do his will and advance his cause among us. Although I might with propriety make the same excuse that Moses did when sent by the Lord to Pharaoh [Ex. iv, 10], yet dear brethren and sisters, we read that the man that had but the one talent given him was required to improve thereon as well as he that had five. O let us not bury our talent in the earth, for our Lord is soon to return, the day of reckoning is at hand, and if we are found unfaithful to our trust, sad and lamentable will be our fate. Soon the decree will go forth, He that is filthy, let him be filthy still; he that is holy, so remain. O, what an honor to then be found on the Lord's side, and to receive the welcome Well done! How many of us, dear brethren and sisters, that profess this last saving message, shall be the happy recipients of God's favor in that trying hour? O let us bestir ourselves and strive to make due preparation while probation is still ours, for the solemn scenes that are before us; let us go boldly forth in the path of duty trusting in God; and if we can say but a few words, let that be in honor of him who hath redeemed us by his blood. We as a people are charged by the faithful and true Witness with being lukewarm, and we realize the accusation to be just. We also learn that those who remain in this condition are soon to be spued out. O, the awful and solemn condition! For those given over in this message there remains no more hope. This is the last call of mercy, the last notes of warning are now being sounded in our midst. How little do we realize these things. We know that God will have a people without spot or wrinkle, a people active and zealous in his cause. We still have the chance to be among that chosen few. O then let us improve well upon these precious opportunities. We profess to keep the commandments of God, yet I fear that many of us do not realize how much they embrace. Let us try the first and see how many can pronounce themselves entirely free from transgression. There are probably none among us that bow down to graven images, but there are many things besides this to be considered that may be the means of drawing our minds and affections from the one great object. We may have homes, husbands, wives or children, that are receiving too large a share of our care and affections, in fact, that we almost worship; and although we may not be aware of it ourselves, yet God knows it all, and he may remove that cherished object, be it ever so dear. Death may enter our dwelling, and in an unexpected moment snatch from our embrace a near and dear companion, or a darling child. Brother, or sister, have you ever stood by the deathbed of a dear companion, and marked the short, quick breath, the feeble pulse, the pallid brow and lips, all telling that the work is sure, that the hour of separation has come? Have you seen the luster of those dear eyes fading in death? friends stand weeping around, but alas, the power of man is now too weak, his arm too short to save. The last words are spoken, the last look and kiss are given, and that beloved one upon whom were centered your heart's best affections has passed away from time. Then you have felt as though all that made life pleasant and desirable was gone forever, as though your heart were about to burst asunder, as though now you could meet death with a smile, and that to rest with that dear one low in the grave would be a blessed privilege. Then have you seen that form buried out of your sight, and afterwards in your visits to that cherished spot beheld the green grass growing above the sleeping dust? And in all this have you felt no inward rebellion against the dealings of providence, nor in the least to murmur at the chastening rod? Can you realize all this and not have to acknowledge yourself a breaker of God's first commandment? With feelings of humility and of sorrow, dear brethren and sisters, do I here confess that this with me has been the case; that while passing (as I have been called to of late) through the deep waters of affliction, I have discovered a spirit of rebellion against the providences of an all-wise God arising within my breast. It is hard to part with those we love. We are apt to murmur at a providence that we may see in the future was for our especial benefit, and also for the glory of God. Man sees not as God sees; he knows what is best, and O, let us trust in him and strive to learn obedience by those things that we are called to suffer. I would not worry your patience with a rehearsal of my errors, but God forbid, dear brethren and sisters, that I should ever become unwilling to confess my faults, or should ever cease striving to overcome them. O, I love the present truth! I love to obey God and keep his commandments, and I love to reflect on those joys that await us in a land of peace and happiness. Yes, all things below are soon to pass away; the harvest is fast ripening, but those that purify themselves by obedience to all God's requirements will be taken to that glorious country where affliction and death shall never come. Rev. xxii, 14. Pray for me that I with you may strive more diligently to overcome every sin, and come up to the high privilege that it is ours to enjoy, and at last be received of him to those mansions prepared for the blest. Yours in love and hope.
E. S. GRIGGS.
Owasso, Mich.