Faith in the Gifts by A. P. Lawton

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 12, 1862

Faith in the Gifts.

By A. P. Lawton

We hear it repeated, We must have evidence of a thing before we can believe. This is very true. But beyond a certain amount of evidence there is knowledge; hence faith is precluded, and its fruits. Thomas might have believed in a risen Saviour from the numerous testimonies of those whose veracity he had no good reason to question; hence the reproof, "Blessed are they that believe, though they have not seen." "By grace are ye saved, through faith." But, says one, I have faith in the Bible. Jesus said to those whom he chose to bear his name, and endowed with the gifts, "He that receiveth you, receiveth me; and he that receiveth me, receiveth Him that sent me." Matt. x, 40.

If the spirit of prophecy is not with us, where may we look for it? I have been tried on this point as sorely as any one, perhaps, but I invariably came out on the side of the gifts that are with us; and feel the approbation of God in defending them. May God save us from refusing him who speaketh from heaven, is my fervent prayer. Have the scripture prophecies been fulfilled? So have these. Are those being fulfilled before us? So are these. I can see no separating them. These are but links in the same great chain. May I and you, my brother and sister, be found standing firmly, but meekly, in all the truths connected with the third angel's message.

Satan is pleased to see us halt and stumble over the very thing that is to unite God's remnant people. God is calling us to union. The gathering call is sounding. This occasions great joy to those who are longing to see the church come into the unity of the faith. May we be saved from a fault-finding, dividing spirit.

Let us pass by on the other side. It is of its father, even Satan.

O the sheep! the poor sheep! scattered and torn; many of them without any shepherd but Jesus; and him they follow at a distance. When will God arise and shake himself like a man of war, and go forth with our host? Then will we be glad and lift up our heads in joyful hope. When shall we run, not as uncertainly, and fight, not as one that beateth the air.

A. P. LAWTON.

West Winfield, N. Y.