The Gospel Herald
May 14, 1902
The Abiding Trust
Love and Confidence
We must have the habit stronger and stronger to be always thinking of him who is our life, our crown of rejoicing. He has bought us with the price of his own blood. The Lord has a right to claim that all his disciples shall trust him. Let not a doubt be entertained that those who err can be Christ's; Jesus will be our all-sufficient helper, therefore we shall not remain erring, but be enabled to attain to that holiness to which we are called, through close communion with Christ. If we fall short, it will be through unbelief, and that is sin. With God there is no shortcoming in fulfilling his word. GH May 14, 1902, par. 1
The Purpose of Christ
If our souls are saved at last, we must look to him who has given his rich and abundant promises to be our strength and our salvation. All his approaches to our hearts, all his blessed agencies within, are for our renovation. Thus he would uplift us, and restore in us the moral image of God. The Holy Spirit is promised to illuminate, purify, elevate, and transform all who believe, into the likeness of Christ. He finds in us the spirit of the world, selfishness, pride, and rebellion against God. The Lord Jesus would detach us from the world, and recall us to be his children, and as his children, to obedience, to be doers of his word and will. This is his purpose. GH May 14, 1902, par. 2
The Will
Truth is omnipotent, but it does not work in the human agent in opposition to the human will. Here is the turning point of freedom and responsibility. GH May 14, 1902, par. 3
God's Proving
All profit, all pay, our time, our talents, our opportunities, all are to be accounted for [to] him who gives them. He will have the richest reward who loves God supremely and his neighbor as himself. The Lord would not have the first thread of selfishness woven into the fabric of his work. He proves us, to see if our works are free from all selfishness and pride. GH May 14, 1902, par. 4
The Crisis
We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Prophecies are fulfilling. The last great conflict will be short, but terrible. Old controversies will be revived; new controversies will arise. We have a great work to do. Our ministerial work must not cease. The last warning must be given to the world. There is a special power in the presentation of the truth at the present time. How long will it last?—Only a little while. If ever there was a crisis it is now. The inquiry of every one should be, What am I? To whom do I owe allegiance? Is my heart renewed? Is my soul reformed? Are my sins forgiven? Will they be blotted out when the time of refreshing shall come? GH May 14, 1902, par. 5
The Leaven
When one soul is converted, he is the one particle of leaven introduced into the mass; and there should not be a withdrawal of the leaven, so that the mass shall be left without a correcting influence. The value of the consistent example of one truly converted soul, no human being can estimate. There is a moral power given by God, by which the lowest subject, if properly instructed, will become an instrument of righteousness. GH May 14, 1902, par. 6
Both the understanding and the heart need to maintain the most intimate and conscious connection with the pure, sacred springs from which they derive their light and inspiration. GH May 14, 1902, par. 7
Too Many Studies
Educate in such a thorough manner that students will have time to consult God, time to live in hourly, conscious communion with the principles of truth, righteousness, and mercy. It is not the right thing to do to crowd in all the studies possible in our schools, and glut the mind. In all our studies, eternity should be kept in our minds. At this time, straightforward investigation of the heart is essential. The student must place himself where he can draw from the deep resources of all moral and intellectual power. He must inquire into every cause which asks his sympathy and co-operation to have the approval of the reason which God has given him and the conscience which the Holy Spirit is controlling. He is not to perform an action which does not harmonize with the deep and holy principles of the word of God, which minister light to his own soul and vigor to his own will. Only thus can he do the living God the highest service. GH May 14, 1902, par. 8