p. 15 | The Goodness of God by D. E. St. John

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 23, 1868

The Goodness of God.

By D. E. St. John

Do all the dear children and youth realize that God is good? Do their hearts glow with gratitude and love to Him who is the author of their innumerable blessings, who has given them a home and friends to love them, and instruct them in the things of God?

We fear not, but we know that very many feel, and acknowledge, that God is good. They often exclaim, as did the Psalmist, “Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”

When we were walking in the broad way, loving not God, neither regarding his commands, and seeking our own pleasure, he called after us, saying in gentle, loving tones, Come unto me, and find rest. Come repenting, come in faith, and I will receive you. Your many sins will I freely forgive. You shall become my sons and daughters, and be heirs to a glorious inheritance, which shall be yours to enjoy eternally. We come tremblingly, feeling our lost, undone condition, without an interest in Christ. We throw ourselves at his feet, pleading that his mercy may be extended toward us. He graciously receives and pardons us, when we, rejoicing in his love which is so full and free, exclaim in the fulness of our joy, God is good! and we will serve him, let others do as they may.

Alas! that our love should ever grow cold! But as we mingle with those who have no love for God in their hearts, our love grows cold. We lose our zeal and earnestness in his cause, and grieve his Holy Spirit from us. Still the Lord loves us. Jesus pleads for us, and heavenly angels are interested in our behalf.

The dear Saviour stands at the door of our hearts and knocks, saying, Open the door that I may come in. We refuse to admit our best friend. Still he intercedes for us with the Father, and says, Spare, oh, spare them a little longer! What love! What goodness and divine compassion! When we return to the Lord with all our hearts, he, according to his promise, returns to us and heals our backslidings. He lifts us out of slippery places, and in his strong arms bears us up. Ought not our hearts to be filled with deep love to God for his great goodness to us? Yes, we certainly should love and obey him. Let us ever strive to do this, that we may be his children indeed and in truth.

D. E. St. John. Battle Creek, Mich.