Observance of the Sabbath
313
the cause of God needs to be often brought before the people, young
and old. We need often to recount God’s goodness and to praise Him
for His wonderful works.
While we are exhorted not to forsake the assembling of ourselves
together, these assemblies are not to be merely for our own refreshing.
We are to be inspired with greater zeal to impart the consolation we
have received. It is our duty to be very jealous for the glory of God
and to bring no evil report, even by the sadness of the countenance or
by ill-advised words, as if the requirements of God were a restriction
upon our liberty. Even in this world of sorrow, disappointment, and
sin the Lord desires us to be cheerful, and strong in His strength. The
whole person is privileged to bear a decided testimony in every line.
In features, in temper, in words, in character, we are to witness that the
service of God is good. Thus we proclaim that “the law of the Lord is
perfect, converting the soul.”
Psalm 19:7
.
The bright and cheerful side of our religion will be represented by
all who are daily consecrated to God. We should not dishonor God
by the mournful relation of trials that appear grievous. All trials that
are received as educators will produce joy. The whole religious life
will be uplifting, elevating, ennobling, fragrant with good words and
[366]
works. The enemy is well pleased to have souls depressed, downcast,
mourning and groaning; he wants just such impressions made as to the
effect of our faith. But God designs that the mind shall take no low
level. He desires every soul to triumph in the keeping power of the
Redeemer. The psalmist says: “Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give
unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due
unto His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” “I will
extol Thee, O Lord; for Thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my
foes to rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried unto Thee, and Thou
hast healed me.... Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of His, and give
thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.”
Psalm 29:1, 2
;
30:1-4
.
The church of God below is one with the church of God above.
Believers on the earth and the beings in heaven who have never fallen
constitute one church. Every heavenly intelligence is interested in
the assemblies of the saints who on earth meet to worship God. In
the inner court of heaven they listen to the testimony of the witnesses
for Christ in the outer court on earth, and the praise and thanksgiving
from the worshipers below is taken up in the heavenly anthem, and