CONFLICTS AND LONGINGS by M. D. ABADON

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 25, 1869

CONFLICTS AND LONGINGS.

By M. D. ABADON

Many years have passed since the people of God have been looking for the Coming One, but still we are here in this world of darkness and sin, where it seems harder than ever before to keep the narrow way that leadeth unto life.

But have we struggled on thus far, contending with the world, and sin, and now just before our glorious King appears, are we ready to give up the conflict and strife, lay down our armor, and surrender ourselves to our deadly foe? Oh, no! this must not be! It is true the way has seemed long and sometimes tedious. Often have we heard the lions' fearful roar, and in dread started back. But knowing to go back is death, we press on a little way, finding our adversary chained. Then perhaps we think the dangers passed, and ere we are aware, we slumber on some enchanted spot, losing our way and guide, and wasting many of the few remaining hours. Again aroused to thus find ourselves asleep, we pursue our way only to come into close combat with a lurking foe, meeting a “dreadful fall,” losing the sword from our hand. Yet with one promise for a defense, when just ready to be overcome, we put the bold enemy to flight. Then with gratitude to Him who delivers from the enemy's grasp, and gives a healing touch to our bleeding wounds, we go on feeling that we can bless his name always. Oh, what a conflict is this! what a fearful strife!

What if in some dreadful hour the enemy gains and keeps the ground, and we be left amid the dark mountains to stumble and fall and rise no more? But this need not be. The Christian may have his armor bright every time. As the enemy advances, we may know his stealthy tread. We may understand his first approach. Neither need it always be a sense of slumber, or a field of combat, but there may be places where we can leave our burden even though it be at the foot of the cross. There may be hours of rejoicing, and times when we can look back over the way we have come and see dangers we have escaped, victories won, temptations endured, and promises fulfilled, which are as standards lifted against the enemy, an encouragement to us and others around us.

Indeed, the Christian may experience not only the temptations, trials, sorrows, griefs, disappointments, distresses, and all the tribulations that must be met in his journey through this world, but the Christian's joys may also be his. Here he may have a foretaste of heavenly joys. His hope and treasure are in Heaven. His Saviour is there; and the more intimate he is with him who has purchased such joys for him, so much more of heavenly cheer will come to help him on the way.

What then if the storm-cloud gathers? He has a lighter spot than earth to look back to for light and strength. What if he find himself amid the surging billows alone, if he but hear the Saviour's voice in the darkness, “Be ye not afraid”? Oh! to know in hours of danger that the Saviour is not far from us, that we are following where he leads, that we are choosing the narrow path in which we can hear his voice, however still, chiding us when we err, and comforting us in distress.

Oh, yes! there is a path elevated above the broad ways of sin in this world, which will lead us to green pastures and still waters. Its rough places and piercing thorns may wound my already weary feet, but while I find my Saviour's footprints in the way, I will go on. Oh, no! I must not look back now. I may endure. But the shadows of the wilderness deepen, and the way grows steeper and straiter. I am not safe. Shall I not fall upon the rocks below? No! I need not. Some will go on, though only a few. But I may press closely in their steps. But shall I not go wrong, be deceived and stumble? Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my path. Sweet promise.

Dear Saviour, guide my every step. I would walk close to thee. I would live as in thy presence. I would know thy love, and power to save from sin. I long to see the green fields and flowery vales beyond, and they are almost in sight. I want those unfading joys. Earth has but few treasures left, and they may be mine in that heavenly home. I long to realize my long-cherished hopes. I want to see Him whose mercy has been so wonderful to me, to adore and worship before him, and praise him with an immortal tongue.

Oh! to be one of the redeemed throng, arrayed in white robes and palms in their hands, to be of that company from whose faces tears will be forever wiped away, never to weep again, never to know sorrow any more. Oh! shall I be there? This vale of tears is almost ended; the cup of iniquity of this world is nearly full. God's people will soon all be sealed. Only a little time remains.

May this be the hour when we shall seek God fully, and humbly, that we may have a shelter beneath his wings in the day of his wrath. M. D. ABADON.

Battle Creek.