“Rule thou in every thought And passion of my soul,
Till all my powers are brought Beneath thy full control.”
—Bong Anchor, p. 84.
THESE precious words expressive of deep practical piety have found their way to the homes of many of God’s dear people, and have met a glad welcome from many a heart awakened by the solemn truth for this time. We are living in the waiting, watching time; and those who have been led to bring their lives into harmony with the commandments of God, and are trying by divine grace to prepare to meet the soon-coming Saviour, most earnestly desire to be free from every stain of sin. God says to us, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thes. 5:22. The eyes of the Lord are upon us. Every thought, word, and act is noticed by him. “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight; but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Heb. 4:13. To the Christian this is a very precious truth. In its effect upon the life it serves a twofold purpose, first, by acting as a restraint in the moment of temptation, and secondly, by affording encouragement and strength to the saddened, weary pilgrim.
“Every thought”! Oh, that we might realize more fully the importance of holy thoughts, of meditating upon that which is pure ! “for the Lord seeth not as man seeth ; . . . the Lord looketh on the heart.” 1 Sam. 16:7. ” Search me, 0 God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps. 139:23, 24. How searching is this test ! What a long catalogue of sins would be exposed to view should the Lord make known our evil thoughts ! But some may say, “Are we indeed responsible for our thoughts?” “The thought of foolishness is sin.” Prov. 24:9. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Ps. 66:18. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matt. 12:34. It is an old and true proverb that we “talk most about what we think most about” If by the study of God’s word and contemplating its glorious truths our minds have become acquainted with God, and the heart has been filled with his love, be as- sured that that acquaintance and love will be made known to those with whom we associate through the medium of our conversation. Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things; and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” Matt. 12:35. It is true that man may so cultivate holiness, may become so familiar with the Bible, that its principles will be the controlling element in his being. Then will the Redeemer “rule in every thought and passion of the soul,” and all the energies of the mind, the acts of life, the loves, the hopes, the joys, will be controlled by him, and life will be one grand scene of blessedness.
It is vain for us to try to speak and act in a holy manner, while indulging sinful thoughts. If the evil one dwells, within, he will control without. He will make known his authority, and guide us, sooner or later, into all sin. The child of God should practice nothing, however insignificant the indulgence may of itself seem to be, which will not in its result be good. He should attend no place of amusement, engage in no conversation, if by so doing the blessing of God cannot attend him. About our conversation Jesus said, “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgment.” Matt. 12:36. Paul said, “Wherefore, putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor.” Eph. 4:25.
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Verse 29. “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are no convenient; but rather giving of thanks.” Chap. 5:4. He who indulges in light talk and jesting looses all influence for good, and should he attempt to speak defense of truth his words will more likely than not be turned into ridicule, and he will thus bring reproach upon the cause of Christ. In hope of soon being with those “in whose mouth is found no guile,” who are “without fault before the throne of God” (Rev. 14 :5 ), and who “follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth”(verse 4), let us pray and sing,— “Rule thou in every thought and passion of my soul, Till all my powers are brought Beneath thy full control.” J. M. HOPKINS.
The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald Oct. 23 1879