Australasian Union Conference Record
August 1, 1900
“I Will Sing and Give Praise”
Let us be guarded. Let us refuse to allow the criticisms of anyone to imprint objections on our minds. Let criticisers live by their trade of criticism. They cannot speak in favour of the very best of blessings without attaching a criticism to cast a shadow of reproach. AUCR August 1, 1900, par. 1
Let us educate ourselves to praise that which is good when others criticise. Murmurers will always pick flaws, but let us not be saddened by the accusing element. Let us not consider it a virtue to make and suggest difficulties, which one mind and another will bring in to harass and perplex. Keep the atmosphere of the soul clear by dwelling upon the bright sunshine of heaven, which is always shining to make the soul happy. Let us bring all the pleasantness possible into our lives. AUCR August 1, 1900, par. 2
When others begin to question and criticise, let us be determined, either by silence or by turning the conversation into another channel, to cut off the words which would not be spoken in wisdom. We are to continue to wait upon the Lord by humble prayer and supplication, making every effort to keep the door of our lips, so that we shall not utter one foolish word savouring of unbelief. AUCR August 1, 1900, par. 3
We are to talk faith, practising the very things we have asked the Lord to give us grace to do. Thus we work out our own salvation, trying to help and save those in trouble by faithful words and kind deeds. It is God which worketh in us, both to will and to do of His good pleasure. The finite and the Infinite are to unite in accomplishing the work that needs to be done. God has pledged Himself to supply us with strength, cheerfulness, pleasantness, and joyfulness in our Saviour. Abiding in Him, the word that would cast a shadow over others is left unsaid. AUCR August 1, 1900, par. 4
Let us remember that every one has some dark spot in his experience. Let us do all we can to bring cheerfulness and hope into the lives of others. What a blessing this will be to them! In turn they will speak words of good cheer to others, to bring sunshine into their hearts. As we do this work, we shall be in a position to realize that the Lord hears our prayers, because we work in harmony with them, fulfilling all the duty we owe to God and to ourselves. We shall go about our work in a thankful, prayerful frame of mind. AUCR August 1, 1900, par. 5
By faith we may claim the promise, “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find.” Yes, we shall find the answers to our prayers; for God will “do exceeding abundantly” above our highest expectation. What precious witness we shall then bear for God! What an honour we shall be to the truth of His word! We shall be able to say, “I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined unto me and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” AUCR August 1, 1900, par. 6
Doleful, discouraging words will do no good. When Christ abides in us, we shall not even repeat the false statements we hear. We shall not retaliate or bring railing accusation against any, because this would wound our souls deeply, and make us forget our resting place of confidence and peace in Christ. AUCR August 1, 1900, par. 7
The enemy stirs up persons whose hearts are not stayed upon God, who are admitting into their hearts unpleasant and disagreeable things to ponder over, and then pass along the unsavoury dish as a repast for other minds and hearts. This is feeding upon Satan's garbage, and makes the soul impoverished. AUCR August 1, 1900, par. 8
When Christ was assailed in this way, his melodious voice was heard in beautiful songs, “Many, O Lord, my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou has done, and Thy thoughts which are to usward. They cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. I delight to do Thy will, O my God; yea, Thy law is within my heart. I have preached righteousness in the great congregation; lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, Thou knowest. I have not hid Thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared Thy faithfulness and Thy salvation; I have not concealed Thy lovingkindness and Thy truth from the great congregation. Withhold not Thou Thy tender mercies from me, O Lord; let Thy lovingkindness and Thy truth continually preserve me.” AUCR August 1, 1900, par. 9
When unadvised words were spoken, our Lord Jesus in His childhood and youth and manhood, often corrected the evil speaker, for the passionate speech, for the unbelieving speech, for the accusing speech, with the spirited, sweet melody of song. AUCR August 1, 1900, par. 10
Mrs. E. G. White