“Hold that fast which thou hast”
It is possible that the younger brothers in our assemblies have greater privilege and greater responsibility than in any time past. Never before was it such a difficult matter to stand for the truth, and it will require great spiritual energy and grace from the Lord to be able to do so.
Among the gathered saints, as a general rule, there seems to be an increasing deadness—a spirit of coldness and looseness. I am sure that only those who go on in communion will be kept.
Satan no doubt will continue to bring troubles, succeeding each other like the waves of the sea, amongst the assemblies. There is not much room for him to introduce false doctrine—thank God, the gathered saints know Who the Lord is. But he seeks rather to weary and "wear out" the saints, as his instrument will do in another day (Dan. 7:2525And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. (Daniel 7:25)). With increasing troubles, many saints will tire out and give up in discouragement. With those who do not really have a sense of the Lord's presence, each new trouble will have its effect. Only those with their eyes on the Lord will be kept.
Many will be so distressed and wearied by trouble after trouble that they will seek consolation and rest in an independent isolated path. They will throw up their hands in sheer weariness and say, "It is no use in trying to go on any longer. It is too much for me. I will separate from the whole thing and seek to be faithful alone."
But this is not the Lord's way. He will have a corporate testimony on earth to the end (Rev. 3:88I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. (Revelation 3:8)). It is not an individual one, though often only individuals may be found in it. But the Lord's word for a day of ruin, down to the very end, is "But follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call upon the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Tim. 2:2222Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)). There will always be the "with them" while the Church is here. A nice word in this connection is found in Psa. 119:6363I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. (Psalm 119:63): "I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts." Mal. 3:1616Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. (Malachi 3:16) is a beautiful example of this: "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name."
J.N.D. once said in substance that he was sure there would be a testimony to the end. One longs, through grace, to be faithful. If one should leave the Lord's table no matter for what cause, it would still be the Lord's table. My leaving it would not change it.
It might be easier and less wearisome to nature to relieve myself of all corporate responsibility, and walk alone, but it is not the Lord's way, Surely He knows how to reward those who seek to finish their course in the path of His good pleasure.
W. Potter
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