MEDITATIONS by J. C.

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 29, 1861

MEDITATIONS.

By J. C.

THE thermometer is an instrument which is well understood at the present day, and perhaps there is a thermometer by which one may understand the state of his own heart. Our conduct toward our daily and intimate companions, and our hourly meditations and desires, are indications; but these cannot be fully appreciated and impartially weighed, without some sure test; and this test is the witness of the Spirit.

Those who are led by the Spirit of God will have the witness of the Spirit, which is true and faithful, and will witness against wrong by sharp conviction, as well as in favor of right by its sweet consoling influence. This witness must be punctually heeded and obeyed, or it will be grieved away, and fatal stupor follow.

"And I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." The call to the supper is now going forth, and soon the table will be filled, every seat will be engaged. Those who would be sure of a place must have a prelibation, a foretaste now. Jesus offers to come into the heart of the zealous Laodicean, and with him partake of royal dainties. This offer to come in and sup is a very liberal and loving offer. It is an offer made to the remnant church (and will be verified to the faithful), an offer not thus expressed to any of the six previously mentioned churches, and coincides with the call in Luke xiv, 23, 24.

Precious promises are recorded, and each appropriate to the time and condition of each of the seven churches; but most wonderful of all, is this invitation to a kindly social meal with the blessed Redeemer.

What is this repast which is to be realized in this present state? What is this foretaste which the zealous-hearted Laodicean is to experience? Will not the Saviour confer his precious gifts upon those with whom he partakes? the spirit of prophecy, the testimony of Jesus! O come, heavenly guest, we will strive to open our hearts to thee.

Our position is indeed an exalted one. Never was there an age in which the church enjoyed so much light on revelation as at present, and consequently never was there so much called for from the church. To whom much is given, of him much will be required, and certainly much has been given to this church. Such an exalted position has never been granted to the church. Before us stand the visions of Daniel and John, the image of Nebuchadnezzar, the four kingdoms, before our eyes the abominations of mystery Babylon, and her harlot daughters, are made apparent. Prophecy is fulfilled and explained, prophetic time is measured, and the two-horned beast is now rearing himself in brazen effrontery, as if to mock the mandates of Jehovah.

Before us stand in bold relief the daughters with Babylon branded upon their foreheads, with one eye leering contemptuously at Sinai's burning summit, and the other fiercely eyeing the prophetic chart, and murmuring in low but terrible imprecations, their anger at those who carefully walk in the King's highway.

Here we stand. At every effort of our enemies the light grows brighter, and our feet are more firmly planted in this firm but narrow path; but it is a high position to fall from, and few who fall ever rise again. It is a dangerous position for any but those who are faithful, dangerous for the unwatchful, dangerous for those who refuse the light, and walk in the sparks of their own kindling, dangerous for all but those who heed all the testimony, who get all the light. It is hard to walk in this highway without eyes, and those who refuse the eye-salve will trip and stumble, and fall. The wise will understand. Let us rise with the message. J. C.