LEAVE ME NOT by S. E. LINDSLEY.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 16, 1867

LEAVE ME NOT.

By S. E. LINDSLEY.

“HIDE not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger; thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.” Ps. xxvii, 9.

Such is the earnest prayer of one of the most devoted servants of God. Perhaps he was thinking of his fallen predecessor, who was once highly favored of God; but he chose his own ways, forsook the commandment of God, and God forsook him. He regarded iniquity in his heart, and the Lord would not hear nor answer him. He was then in sore trouble and perplexity, but instead of humbly repenting of his disobedience and entreating pardon, he sought information from an evil and forbidden source. “An evil spirit troubled him.” Alas! he is forsaken of the Lord! The remainder of his career is dark and gloomy, and no doubt weary of his life he ended it by falling upon his own sword. Well might his fate be a solemn warning to his successor, and all after generations. No doubt king David regarded it as such, and hence he often earnestly entreats the Lord not to forsake him.

Nearly three thousand years have elapsed, and the great adversary of the fallen race is no less vigilant than he was then. Indeed he has come down in great wrath knowing that he hath but a short time, for his dark career too is almost finished. He walks about seeking whom he may devour, but his special attacks are directed toward a little company who are gathering together, having as their banner the “commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” This little band are being shaken. Some have fallen out all along the way. They have need to cry earnestly to God not to forsake them. Will he forsake them? Not unless they forsake him. Ah! here lies the danger. If they cling to idols of whatever sort, it will be said of such, as of Ephraim; “Let him alone.” They must come up on every point; they must become a “peculiar people” and finally be presented “faultless before the throne of his glory.” And this will be honor enough. Oh blessed hope! joyful anticipation!

With this toiling company I have cast in my lot. I am unworthy but Jesus is worthy. My chief desire is to keep with them till they sing the song of deliverance. But the enemy’s power is strong, and I oft-times fear that I shall fall out by the way. O my Father, “leave me not.” Take my hand and lead me safely over the enchanted ground. If need be let me pass under the chastening rod; let trials sore overtake me until they have their designed effect; until I learn the lessons thou wouldst have me learn. Only “hide not thy face from me.” Our God is faithful. “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Sweet promise! Lonely, afflicted, despairing one, take courage. Be assured God has not, and will not forsake you unless you forsake him. He is not willing you should perish. Only let us be in earnest. God’s people are advancing. Deliverance is near at hand.

“Only a few more conflicts, To wage in the struggle of life. Then the sweet victory cometh, That endeth the toilsome strife.”

Oh I will strive to put away my unfaithfulness, and arouse from indifference, for an eternal weight of glory is at stake. Let us all press on, and strive to meet in the

“Beautiful land of rest.”

Our precious faith and hope bind us together, and I thank the Lord that though scattered, we may all speak often one to another.

S. E. LINDSLEY. New Haven, N. Y.