p. 309 | FORBEARANCE, by F. W. MORSE.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 14, 1867

FORBEARANCE,

By F. W. MORSE.

“DEARLY beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.’ Rom. xii, 19, 20.

Of all the trials encountered by the Christian pilgrim, none are more difficult to bear than abuse and wrongful treatment from our fellow men; especially those that owe us gratitude for good deeds we have rendered them.

In tribulation of this kind, the believer has a good opportunity for presenting his faith, sustained by the convincing evidence of works. He professes unlimited confidence in every word of divine revelation. That holy word declares that the man of God should be so well furnished in the grace called forbearance as not only to keep himself innocent from the chastisement of those who have done him evil, but even more; no word, thought, or design of evil toward them will find a place in his mind; and yet more noble; if occasion presents itself, his hand opens wide in deeds of goodness to enemies and slanderers.

Such conduct will be recorded upon the book of God’s remembrance as evidence that this noble, magnanimous believer really acknowledges his Creator as that being who executes vengeance upon the wicked: a testimony proving that he admits the justice of God’s wrathful threatenings against evil doers, and also his entire ability to fulfil them. But to take their case in our own hands, thinking to show by our own individual might the ability we possess to revenge an abuse, like acts of devotion performed with similar motives,—the desire to proclaim self-greatness, brings its own recompense in the empty voice of fickle, man-made praise or censure. Christians earnestly pray for the speedy overthrow of oppression and wrong; but when these come upon themselves; and their fellow men heap abuse and slander upon them; they should beware lest they contradict their petitions by fretful chafing and impatience. Every moment of patient waiting and resignation to the will of the great Avenger of saints hastens the day of downfall upon their oppressors.

F. W. MORSE.

Steele Co., Minn.