Keeping Promises by A. S. Hutchins

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 12, 1863

Keeping Promises.

By A. S. Hutchins

In a catalogue of sins of the last days, enumerated by the apostle, 2 Tim. iii, is found that of "covenant breaking." This sin is so prevalent already that none can fail to mark its existence; and no marvel if it increase more and more as we approach the end.

"Truth is fallen in the street," is literally fulfilled in the case of many. Repeatedly is the remark made of such a one, "you can place but little confidence in his word, his promises are good for nothing," &c.

But when we hear it said of one, "his word is as good as his note, it is as good as the bank," &c., at once we receive a favorable impression in regard to such a one.

Now the observance of the commandments of God will constitute a covenant-keeping people. Such are not men of good resolutions and fair promises alone, but men of deeds, "doers of the word." Such will consider their word more sacred than gold; will feel themselves bound in honor and conscience to fulfill their promises.

Sabbath keepers should see to it that their influence is not crippled and the cause of God reproached by broken promises. If Bro. A. makes a promise to work for B. to-morrow or next week, or to do a certain piece of work at a specified time, and he fails to fulfill that engagement without giving a sufficient reason for this, he need not wonder if confidence is in some measure shaken in him. Certainly if he repeatedly disregard such promises, and the more so if the promises be a creditor of his. Such may be said to "say and do not." "But do not ye after their works," said the Saviour.

Again, parents sometimes fail to keep promises made to their children. The disobedient child is promised a punishment if he does not do thus and so. Little by little he ventures into the path of disobedience, regardless of the threatened chastisement, for he doubts the word of the parent. The promises he soon finds did not mean what he said, or he forgot or neglected to fulfill. Thus he grows strong in youthful disobedience.

Another makes a fair promise to a child on condition that he will do so and so that he shall have a specific reward or make such a visit. With high hopes and buoyant expectation, the little promisee goes forth to fulfill on his part, but to be disappointed of his reward. The parent or master has seen fit to alter his mind, without any satisfactory reason to the child. He sinks in discouragement, and soon learns to break his word also. Let us be careful of our promises. Says Paul, "Thou, therefore, which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?"

A. S. Hutchins.