p. 196 | THE GIFTS by Jos. Clarke

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 7, 1861

THE GIFTS.

By Jos. Clarke

In the remarks of Bro. J. H. W. in No. 16 of Review, present volume, is some testimony which is timely and good, concerning a gift already in the church, a gift by a few long valued; but with most, I am pained to say it, undervalued, and, of course, neglected.

Spiritual gifts, Vols. 1 and 2, and Testimony Nos. 1-6, are before us. Do we appreciate them?

Has the word of God been promulgated, and the church been silent? Has the still, small voice been heard, in distinct reproof, and the reproved felt no compunctions? Must Sinai blaze with the forked lightnings, and the thunders shake its very foundations, and the trumpet sound in sublime and awful peals, before we wake? No, let us turn aside and see what means this burning bush, what sweet voice of mercy is this calling in tones of love, in low but decisive tones, to come up to the work.

I have thought that if a friend should correspond with us, his last letter would be hailed with increasing interest, but how many refuse to have a recent letter, because it is not as old as the former ones. Is this reasonable; is it kind?

O how cheering to see a proper value placed upon these works, not man's work, but a gift of God, all interwoven with present truth, and the third message.

Is not this the testimony which is to shake the church? Has not this testimony been almost totally disregarded? Will those stand who treat it with inattention and neglect? Lord, help us to heed the straight testimony!

Jos. CLARKE.