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THINK ON THESE THINGS

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 10, 1861

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 18, No. 15.

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"THINK ON THESE THINGS."

By M. D. Amadon

It is a beautiful exhortation given by the apostle Paul, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
It seems if ever the christian needed something upon which to base his hopes, feelings, desires and motives, it is in these days of moral darkness and confusion. Light from heaven alone can illumine his path that he may walk and not stumble. Dangers have multiplied until those who are striving to find the narrow way and straight gate are so surrounded with them that their only hope of escape is to be a wrestling Jacob and prevailing Israel.
The path of which Bunyan speaks comes forcibly to my mind; the ditch into which the blind lead the blind on the one hand, and on the other a quagmire more dangerous, if possible, than the pit itself. One safe path alone opens before us to escape, which is to flee unto God to hide us. Though it be a way beset by foes at every advancing step, yet it may be gained by every child of God. The polished armor of faith, hope and love, will front every foe and remain unharmed. It is no time now to talk of dangers despairingly. It is no time to be so inexperienced as to be taken in them and thereby despair, though our advocate with the Father still lives to plead his blood for sin. And surely it is no time to be fearfully blind to them. If we follow perseveringly the above exhortation of the apostle we all may find our way safely through to the port of endless peace.
My heart often inquires, What am I doing? Is the way opening before me which leads to the city of God? Do earthly things occupy my time and mind? or are God and heaven chief in my heart? I know if I stand when a thousand shall fall by our side, and ten thousand on our right hand, I must become fit for it soon. Like David I would say, "Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee." But how easily is the mind caught away to something foreign from the truth. It is taken up with that which saps away the good which otherwise might be in and sanctify my heart. I know Jesus' life was holy, and he requires mine to be. He does not make allowance for sin. Then can I indulge in it and be his child? The words of the prophet are truly worthy of reflection.
"Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips." O that some angel would fly with a coal from heaven's altar and touch our lips. Truly, in a multitude of words there wanteth not sin. Whatsoever is true, honest, just, lovely, or of good report, we may do well to practice, think of, and speak of to others. Recording angels are penning down our actions and words; and I would ask, as each day is done, What is the record there? Deeds good, or bad? Fearful storms hang dark over the world.
"Signs portend that Jesus' coming Is near at hand."
May I with those who are keeping the holy law of God and testimony of his Son be prepared to meet him when he appears to deliver his people.
M. D. AMADON.