THE WORK by J. Clarke

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 25, 1862

THE WORK.

By J. Clarke

WHEN a nation sends out an army against a foreign foe, many prayers are offered for the success of arms, and the whole nation feels a deep interest in favor of the cause, if it is a just and necessary war.

At present the messengers have entered upon the work in new fields, and the church feels much interest in the success of the work; but do we pray? There is apathy, coldness, worldliness, pride, stubbornness, self-confidence, vain-glory, unbelief, and mammon-worship, in the church. Does the church pray? Satan is misleading honest souls! Do we pray? The enemy is sifting the weak and the strong, and many are fast asleep, and more are very drowsy upon enchanted ground. Do we pray? Ungoverned, unsubdued children, are bringing darkness and death upon easy and indulgent parents. Do the brethren and sisters pray? The best gifts in possession of the church are undervalued, and prejudice is being engendered, and the disease is spreading, and in some localities it is evident the honest are in danger. Who is praying now?

Ah, yes, there are many prayers offered, but does the church as a whole pray in Spirit and in truth? Are there not some jealous and suspicious of the work at Battle Creek, lest those who have charge of the work there should err? Can we not trust in God, who has charge of this work? Is not all heaven interested in this work? Can we not trust in God to watch over his own work, while we watch lest we be led astray by the all-deceivableness of Satan? Cannot every honest soul that mourns for sin, and that sighs for the abominations done in the land, cry out as one man, O Lord, light up all our hearts with true heavenly devotion, with an unceasing, ever-glowing flame?

J. CLARKE.