Untitled article by B. F. Merritt

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

SUBMISSION.

By B. F. Merritt

Oh! for perfect submission to the will of God. Then would be hushed the murmurings and complainings of my soul, and my days would pass sweetly by as I yielded to be guided according to the will of the Author of my existence. “He doeth all things well,” and all that I am called to bear will be turned to my good if submissively I bear it. Whether it be mine to mingle in the society of those that love him, and join with them in prayer and songs of praise, or whether it be mine to walk the narrow pathway alone where none will whisper gentle words of cheer, or whether it be mine to seek and gather into the fold those who are wandering without hope, or to be kept by the chastening rod beneath my own humble roof, I would feel that all is known to my Father, and by being submissive to his will, whatever be my lot, he is glorified by me. But a little while have I to do and bear; and during that little while I desire to “rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him.” While here ’tis mine to labor and to wait.

“Then hush, my soul, nor dare repine; The time my God appoints is best; While here, to do his will be mine, And his to fix my time of rest.”

When I look forward to the glory to be revealed at the appearing of our Lord, I long for his coming, and want to be prepared for that day. But whether it be mine to meet the foes and overcome in the conflict before us, or to sleep beneath the sod, oh! may my heart ever feel to say, “Thy will be done.” I will try to be submissive and faithfully do my duty, and hope it may be the Father’s good pleasure to give me a place and portion with his people.

“Thy righteous will be done O God, To meet the foe and overcome, Or lay me down beneath the sod, Sleep a short sleep and then go home.”

B. F. MERRITT.

Health Institute, B. C., Mich.