1881 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

Does some one object that so living and not laying up treasureon earth would lead to want when sickness comes? I answer, itwould bring you into a position where your trust in God'spromises would have opportunity for exercise. But living thusclosely to God you could claim all of the promises. "No goodthing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly." "For weknow that all things shall work together for good to them thatlove God (and show it by obedience to his word) to the calledaccording to his purpose." Besides I suggest that sickness isspoken of in scripture as being largely the result of sin, and thework of "Him that has the power of death; that is, the devil."The whole world----------[Continued on seventh page.]R187 : page 7[Continued from second page.]through sin has come under his control, but when any becomedisciples of Christ they are transferred out of the kingdom ofdarkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son. These, it wouldappear, are no longer subject to Satan except as his power maybe permitted of Jesus and overruled for our good.While our Lord may sometimes permit Satan to afflict his sheepfor their development and perfection, sometimes, as in Paul'scase, permitting "a thorn in the flesh as a messenger of Satan tobuffet" them, yet we believe that as a rule if we were using ourpowers entirely and conscientiously in God's service we wouldnot be so subject to sickness. "If we would judge ourselves, (seethat we live in obedience to God's will) then we should not bejudged of the Lord, but when judged we are chastened of theLord, that we should not be condemned with the world." (1 Cor.11:31-32).James intimates the same thing when he says: "Are any sickamong you...the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and if hehave committed sins they shall be forgiven." Jesus implied thesame thing when, before healing, he usually said, "Thy sins beforgiven thee." It is for us, however to follow the voice of ourShepherd and to trust him while we follow him.====================R187 : page 3OUR TEACHER."What man is he that feareth the Lord? Him shall He teach inthe way that He shall choose." Ps. 25:12.Let Him teach thee, weary soul;