p. 155 | A Word for the Times

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 15, 1861

A Word for the Times.

WHILE it becomes all Christians to be fully awake to the things of salvation, and actively engaged in the work which their great Head has assigned them, they are called upon to maintain a calm repose in God, knowing that he sits King forever, and is the wise and able disposer of all events.

The present is felt to be the time of extraordinary agitation and turmoil. The nations are in commotion. From every land we "hear of wars and rumors of wars." The world is fast becoming one vast military camp. All is a troubled sea; and the expectation which some cherish, of the kingdoms of this world learning war no more, seems be as distant as ever. Instead of peace, and "a universal brotherhood," the cry is heard, "Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up; beat your ploughshares into swords, and your pruning-hooks into spears: let the weak say I am strong."

But while the follower of Christ cannot look with indifference on the belligerent cloud which lowers everywhere, nor without earnestly praying that God will defend the right, yet they are not only to save themselves from the prevailing spirit of war, but also from being unduly agitated by the troubled scene. Jesus, the great leader of the true Israel, is saying, "Peace be unto you." "Stand still, and see the salvation of God." "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." "Fear not little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." In view of these gracious words, we may say, "Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, though the waters thereof roar and be troubled; though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof." What the Saviour said when on earth still holds good: "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." They are both working for the household of faith. All the wheels of providence and of grace move in harmony, and for one common end, viz., the salvation of the church. As all things work together for her good, so the griefs and turmoils of earth may be regarded as the clouds of dust through which the chariot of God is conveying her into the presence of the King of kings. Though the skies are dark and threatening, yet to the eye of faith they are tinged with an unearthly brightness, telling of the ineffable glory which is behind the cloud, and which is ready to be revealed. As Christians, then, we may "both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord," for he is a strong tower, and will save his trusting, faithful ones.—Millennial News.