p. 122 | Untitled article by J. DEWEY.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, August 6, 1867

SHADOWS, TEMPTATIONS AND SORROWS.

By J. DEWEY.

SHADOWS come into the heart and steal into the life; shadows of doubt, of despair, and forgetfulness of the dear omnipotent Father's goodness, that obscure the vision, and we cannot pray; shadows that tempt the spirit to rebel, and that hide from us the beauty of truth, and the charm of humility; shadows are they all from the dark angel's wing.

Temptations come, drawing the heart into the magic of unholy aspirations. But he who is omnipotent, and who will hear the prayer of faith, will send bright angels to scatter the shadows, and break the tempter's charm.

Sorrows come all along our pathway, blighting the life, and stealing its dearest treasures; sorrows that

crush the heart with the keen agonies of woe; sorrows that wither and blight all the sweet hopes and bright visions of this life; sorrows that rend the soul in its deepest strength; agonies that break out in the wailings of grief and despair. But listen. The sweet voice of the Comforter whispers. The tempest is hushed, the troubled waters sink back into their caverns motionless and patient as the submissive heart waiting under the command of omnipotent power. The dear privilege of trust soothes the poor voyager upon the trackless path.

The bright star of faith breaks over the darkness. Upon the midnight of sorrow dawns the bright sun of truth. The heart breathes its submission and the soul reposes in its trust. Fearlessly our feet go out upon the treacherous wave. Willingly they walk with the lowly one that bore the cross.

Reach thy hand to me, Heavenly Father. As the storm raged, I trusted in thy love; but I cannot walk the waves; I cannot bear the cross except thou art with me. Give me the lamp that will guide unerringly. Give me the trust that will not waver. Give me the faith that is not dimmed. Give me the assurance that knows no fear. Teach me that I may teach. Love me that I may love all thy children. Direct me that I may direct. If I ask not humbly, give me only this thy love. Of it I cannot be denied.

J. DEWEY.

Health Institute, July 24th, 1867.