p. 138 | Steadfast by J. G. Cheal

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 29, 1863

Steadfast.

By J. G. Cheal

NOTHING is more necessary to success in life than decision, and nothing is more essential to moral life than to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,” having on the whole armor, being able at all times to give an answer to every one that asketh us a reason of the hope that is in us, with meekness and fear. 1 Cor. xv, 58; 1 Pet. iii, 15.

It was never intended by the Lord of Life that we

should settle down into the belief of our fathers, receiving what they received, rejecting what they rejected, with no further reason for the hope within us, and no stronger evidence of divine approval. His instructions to his disciples are proof positive that no foundation is sure which is not grounded in him. “Many shall come in my name, and shall deceive many,” was his warning in connection with the history of the church; and then, as if to guard his followers against all such impostors, he enjoins upon them to “search the Scriptures,” with the assurance, “they are they which testify of me.” Matt. xxiv, 4; John v, 39.

In no case is it safe to follow the world, or rely upon the traditions of men. Says Jesus, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” The love of the world is enmity against God. No one can measure the religion of Jesus Christ by such an uncertain rule. “In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Paul was “more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of the fathers,” yet he cautions his brethren thus: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy or vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” John xv, 18; Matt. xv, 9; Col. ii, 8.

What the world acknowledge to be truth may satisfy the indifferent, but the truly zealous adherent of truth will require something more. Though the world were enshrined in the darkness of Pagan superstition, this principle denounces the efforts of the Christians to introduce the light of the gospel into every community. It stays the progress of every good work, and paralyzes the arm of every radical reformer.

What doth it matter though the world oppose us? Opposition can never excuse us from duty. The primitive Christians, as well as the reformers in all ages, were besieged with opposition on every hand. The established religionists assailed them with the same bitter hatred that moved the civil authorities. They were driven from city to city, persecuted from prison to prison, scourged, beaten, subjected to every possible insult and injury, yet they stood bold and defiant, adhering to their principles to the last, and, in many cases, attesting with their blood the sincerity of their convictions.

What if individuals oppose us? Did not the jealous Saul seek the life of David? Did not the wicked Babylonians oppose Daniel? Did not the envious Jews demand the blood of the Son of God? Did not their children murder his disciples? In short, has not every reformer, since the earliest record, been obliged to face all kinds of opposition, undergo all manner of trials, and row against the most violent storms of prejudice and popular opinion?

The issue of every exertion rests with God, and shall we distrust Jehovah? To us the message comes, “Go ye into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you.” Matt. xx, 4. To us it is given to labor, and we shall reap in due time if we faint not.

J. G. CHEAL.

Port Byron, N. Y.