LET ZION ARISE AND SHAKE HERSELF FROM THE ENCUMBRANCE
OF THE WORLD
CYRUS COOPER
FRIENDSVILLE CURRENT, VOL. 29, NO. 5 (FIFTH MONTH, 1954)
(REPRINTED FROM THE FRIEND, 4-19-1902.)
I have felt for some time to address a few lines to the readers of The Friend, and especially the
younger class, as we have traveled around under an exercise for the Truth, passing through places
where it is on the decline, in the maintenance of it, for want of faithfulness. The testimony of the
pure Truth as set forth by Jesus Christ and the apostles, and declared of in the Scriptures, were
sustained in the earlier days by these who counted not their lives dear, and who suffered therefore.
Most important among which is the Light of Christ, believing in and obedience to the impressions
thereof on the mind and heart, the only way to realize what is known of Christ within, and coming
unto this same Light, and Revealer, which is received in our felt nothingness, the only means by
which we can realize the meaning of that which was penned by and through the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit, or is still uttered by the same authority. Are we, my dear young Friends or any of us,
to let those testimonies pass from us, through our unwillingness to become teachable in humility
and to believe and yield to the restraining, constraining influence of the Spirit of Truth? For the
Saviour said, if He went away He would send the Comforter, even the Spirit of Truth, which will
guide unto all Truth. [John 14:16.] Shall we be seeking some easier way proposed by man, who is
unwilling to yield to the cross? We may let the testimonies of Truth pass from us,-- any of us who
are not willing to sustain them through preparation,--but in that event, I believe God will place his
gifts and callings upon others, who will be willing in humility; but then will we have lost our place,
and will not be clear, for "the gifts and callings of God are without repentance,'' [Romans 11:29.]
and must be fulfilled or suffered for.
I have felt to encourage us to faithfulness, for I do believe the standard which was upheld by the
early Friends, was and is not a peculiar one, but the Truth as Christ will reveal it to those who are
willing, and as He will yet be to such. Let us do our part that we may be clear, not seeking to be
at ease in Zion, [Amos 6:1] but with the decision of Joshua, "Let others do as they may, as for me
and my house we will serve the Lord." [Joshua 24:15.] Then would the waste places be builded,
and Zion no more be called desolate, a city forsaken in any wise. But with the feeling of David,
"My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God, when shall I come and appear before God ?"(1) we
would gather to the solemn assemblies, and witness solemn feasts, for the Lord would delight in
us, a dedicated people, giving Him the first fruits; not serving ourselves first, giving Him the rest
if any, but and giving Him a little cake first. I believe the spirit of the Lord is loudly calling for our
yielding to his visitation, with which I do feel to cooperate in endeavoring to turn our attention to
our highest privilege, serving the Lord our Maker and Creator in our minds and hearts, that fruits
might appear, and that those who know what it is to be taught in his school might be shown unto
Israel in his own time, upon which would his blessing rest, having the promise of the present and
of the life to come.
With love your friend,
1. 1.... Probably Psalm 42:2; see also Psalm 63:1 and 143:6.