The People are yet too Many.
By F. Gould
THESE words the Lord spoke to Gideon in reference to going out to conquer the Midianites. It was God's plan to reduce the army before the work could be accomplished. Says the Lord, "Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart." More than one half of his army returned; and the Lord said unto Gideon, "The people are yet too many." The remaining portion of his army were yet to be tried and tested to prove their loyalty. The test then given reduced his army to 300 brave, tried, and loyal men. With this little band he gained the victory. It appears his success did not depend upon numbers, but upon the courage, loyalty, and discipline of those engaged. Let us for a moment compare the above circumstances with Israel at the present time, who profess to be watching and waiting for the coming of Christ and see if there is not a parallel. The proclamation of the first and second angels' messages brought out from the world and the different churches a class of people who were exultant with the thought that Christ would soon come to translate them, and usher them in to enjoy the glories of that better kingdom, victorious over all sin, death, and the grave. But in this they were disappointed. Their courage must be tested. Their faith and confidence in God must be tried. They must be disciplined and trained in the school of Christ. They must acknowledge their allegiance to the righteous government of God, and follow in the footsteps of their glorious Leader. The searching and sanctifying truths of the third angel's message are calculated to accomplish this work. A large class of Adventists have rejected this message. Thus the army is reduced. The way seems too straight for them. But there are a few who are resolved to fight till the battle is over, and bear away a glorious victory. This is the class which the Revelator saw that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. Rev. xv, 2. In connection with the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, there are other testing truths. I have often heard some remark who profess the present truth, that if we did not endorse Sr. White's visions and did not practice feet-washing in the church, they would go with the body. I fear such, like a portion of Gideon's army, will fail to share in the last great victory and perish by the way. Principles that are calculated to correct the erring, and lead to acts of Christian humility, should be cherished. The remarks of Bro. White in Review Vol. xxi, No. 21, are very appropriate in relation to the Christian level. Brethren do we appreciate them? Let us strive to avoid the two extremes into which so many fall, and seek to rise higher in the scale of moral purity and excellence; seek that Christian level which elevates, and prompts to noble deeds of virtue, goodness, and truth.