p. 46 | SHALL I? by M. J. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 2, 1869

SHALL I?

By M. J. Cottrell

SHALL I go mourning and disconsolate, because of fear that I shall be unable to bear the next trial? Shall I sit down weeping because I fear that I shall be unable to climb the next ascent? Shall I refuse to give utterance to my gratitude to God for his help in the past, because the journey is not yet ended, the victory entire, not yet won? Did I not receive strength from him to hold on to the cable whose anchor is cast "within the vale," when the dark waters of doubt were surging around me, and my weak hands seemed powerless to retain their hold? Did not our merciful Father strengthen me then? and will it not displease him for me to repress my joyful thanks, because I fear that in the next trial I shall fall?

Does the earthly warrior wait till every foe is conquered, every battle fought and won before he says, Rejoice? Shall I, because I find that I have wandered far from the right way, sit down where I am and make no efforts to find my way back? Or because I find the work I have been doing is not done right, shall I fold my hands and say, I can do no better?

No, no; I will raise my voice in glad thanksgiving for the victories already won; and walk onward with a cheerful heart, trusting that our Heavenly Father will give me strength to endure "unto the end." Not because I am worthy, but for Jesus' sake.

And I will try to find my way back from the bewildering maze of selfishness to the narrow path of humility and sacrifice. Yes, I will try, for that is the "narrow way" which leads to the eternal rest. And I will try to learn to do my work as I ought; to do it right and well, that in the day of final accounts, I may see our Master smile, and hear his sweet voice say, Well done. Yes, I will try. It is good for me to draw near to God. He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Ps. lxxiii, 28; Isa. xl, 29. M. J. COTTRELL.