TO THE LONELY ONES by Adolphus Smith

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

TO THE LONELY ONES.

By Adolphus Smith

As the providence of God is seen in the gathering of Sabbath-keepers in certain localities, and in the formation of churches; so, also, is it seen in the scattering abroad of believers, whose manifest duty it is to shine as lights in the several places in which their lots are cast. The epistle of James, which is believed to belong to us who are living here in the time of waiting, just before the coming of Jesus, is addressed to the twelve tribes “scattered abroad.” To you, then, who are alone, and almost crushed by the trials you have to endure, is the exhortation given, “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

Perhaps you are a wife, and mother; you are trying to keep the Sabbath, and bring up your children in the fear of God. But your husband opposes, and purposely adds to your burdens, because of your faith. You complain of your lot, and sigh for the liberty of those who can, unmolested, every Sabbath, attend at the sanctuary, and who have the aid of husband, and friends, in keeping “the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

But remember, dear sister, that “where much is given, much is required.” The Lord does not require more of you than you are able to perform. Keep the Sabbath just as well as you can in your circumstances. Study to make your husband and family as comfortable, and happy, as possible; for this is their portion; eternal life will not be theirs, unless they yield to the truth. By gentleness you may win them to the truth; but you cannot drive them. Study the Bible to know what your duty is to your family. If you are afflicted, and weighed down, because of your hard lot, remember that in the providence of God, it may be just what is necessary to save you. Now you love to read the Bible, to pray, to meditate; and you long to see Jesus, and go with him to the home prepared for you in Heaven. If you were differently situated, it might be otherwise. To whom will the rest of Heaven be sweetest, but to those who endure the most sorrow here? Christ identifies himself with his humble followers; therefore every adversity you suffer for his sake, he will reward you for.

Courage then, dear lonely one, your sorrow will soon be turned into joy for evermore. At present, in the ardor of your devotion, you can exclaim, “I’m not ashamed to be despised, By those who ne’er religion prize. Christian, sweet name, its worth I view, Oh, may I wear its nature too. “This world’s vain honors will I shun, The narrow way to life I’ll run; That this at last my boast may be, My Saviour’s not ashamed of me.”

Continue to act upon this resolution, and you can soon join in singing the anthem of the saved. ADOLPHUS SMITH. Blendon, Mich.