Saints of God, is it not time for us to take seriously to heart the state of things which prevails in
our midst?

God has in wonderful mercy and grace restored to us many a truth that has been lost sight of for
ages. We know that our sins are now forgiven and forever put away. We know that we have
eternal life in the Son of God.

We know that we are indwelt by the Holy Ghost, and thus united to the Lord Jesus Christ as the
members of His body. We know that the present favor in which we stand, and the future glory to
which we shall be shortly introduced, can only be measured by the delight which the Father has
found for His heart in the Person and work of His beloved Son. And we know that our Lord Jesus
is coming to take us to Himself, when His heart shall, be satisfied, and our joy shall be full
forever.

I say we know these things, and by this I mean that they are common subjects of ministry among
us, and as doctrinal truths they are familiar to the saints. But where is the practical godliness, the
zeal, the devotedness, the watchfulness and prayerfulness, which should be the result of
knowledge so extensive and blessing so rich as this?

There is so little separation from open worldliness to be found among us; and where such
separation is found, is it not often due to a concern lest our reputation among the saints should
suffer, rather than because we have found in Christ a present portion of heavenly joy?

Do we not often come together to read the Word, to pray, and even to break bread, in a cold,
formal way, with out having the springs of praise, desire, and opened in our hearts by the power
of the Holy Ghost?

Are not our seasons of private prayer and meditation frequently cold and powerless, lacking in
fervor and devoid of blessing, if, in fact, such seasons are not wholly neglected?

Does there not exist among us an appalling indifference to the interests of Christ, plainly
evidenced by the lack of prayer_private, social, and public?

Have we the same desire for the blessing of others which the apostle Paul had, who could say, "I
am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (1 Cor. 9:22); and again,
"I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less
I be loved"?

When we speak to other Christians are we not often more intent on proving that they are wrong
and we are right, than on ministering something that will be strength and blessing to their souls?
And is there not often an assumption of spiritual superiority on our part which counteracts all that
we say?

O brethren beloved of God, may our hearts take warning! How terrible would it be if we became
nothing more than a sect with a beautiful, correct, scriptural, but lifeless and cold, theology! The
special device of the enemy today is to reduce the blessed revelation of our Father’s will to a
theology that may be discussed, and reasoned over, and made the subject of controversy.
Remember, saints of God, that though the apostle says, "Take heed to the doctrine," he puts
before this the solemn admonition_alas! well nigh forgotten today_"Take heed unto thyself (1
Tim. 4:16).

The question may be asked in surprise by those who have not noted with sorrow the declension
that has been gradually Creeping in for so many years, and which is now so manifest to every
godly heart_"What would you have us to be or to do?"

The desire of the heart of God is expressed in the word, "Be filled with the Spirit." In affectionate
earnestness let me ask you, my brother, my sister, who are now reading this paper:Do you know
the fulness of present joy; the ineffable peace; the plenitude of power for prayer, worship, and
testimony; and the abounding hope that are the fruits of being "filled with the Spirit"?

Are you habitually controlled, directed, energized, and filled with the Holy Spirit of God? or is
this a state of soul you desire to cherish?

If so, do you not mourn the lack of power and dearth of blessing which are so frequently
noticeable in the meetings for prayer, ministry, and worship; and will you not go in brokenness
of spirit into your closet, there to pour out your heart to God in confession of the low spiritual
state everywhere apparent, and to beseech Him to visit us with a true revival in the power of the
Holy Ghost, that we may be found a waiting, watching, and working people at the fast-
approaching moment when the Coming One shall shout us up to meet Him in the air?

And oh, my brother, if your soul is not bright, and fresh, and happy in the realized love of Christ;
if you are not in the deep secret of your own heart walking in fellowship with the Father and the
Son through the power of the Holy Ghost_oh, let not the enemy deceive you by leading you to
think that you are becoming more intelligent. Is Christ more precious to you? Have you more real
delight and joy in thinking and speaking of Himself? In intelligence you may be more advanced;
but is your affection deeper truer than when you first learned that He loved Himself for you? Does
your heart glow with the fervor of "first love," the memory of which is even no precious, as you
recall it? Remember His appeal to tie gifted and "advanced" assembly in Ephesus, "Nevertheless
I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love" (Rev. 2:4). What is the worth
of a greater amount of intelligence as regards His Person and work if it be gained at the expense
of that soul affection which He prizes so dearly!

And as regards His coming, are you longing to hear His shout and see His face with a desire that
grows deeper, and permeates your life more and more, every day? Correct and orthodox you may
be as to the doctrine of the Lord’s coming, but let me ask_is it a hope you dearly cherish, and
for the fulfillment of which you are hourly waiting? Is it a doctrine you merely "hold," or does
its power hold you tenaciously in its embrace, separating you in practice from this present evil
age, and occupying your thoughts with the Person who is coming again?

Oh, that in this solemn, critical moment the cry may be heard_above the strife of tongues so
prevalent, and amidst the indifference so widespread_ringing down in heavenly power to the
depth of every ransomed soul:"AWAKE! AWAKE!" "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out
to meet him."

(From Help and Food, Volume 46.)