p. 229 | Untitled article by S. S. Bartlett

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, September 24, 1867

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 15

PUTTING ON THE HARNESS.

By S. S. Bartlett

“Let not him that girdeth on the harness, boast himself as he that putteth it off.” 1 Kings xx, 11. At no time, and in no sense are these words of Israel’s ancient king, more true and appropriate than at the present time, and as regards “present truth.” When the light upon God’s holy law first dawned upon us, and when, perhaps after a severe struggle, we turned our willing feet into his testimonies, we fondly imagined that the great battle was won, and henceforth the way to eternal life would be comparatively easy; for were we not now keeping all the commandments? How great the mistake! The work was but just commenced; the harness scarcely put on; and since that time our onward course has been a constant warfare. “Foes without and foes within” have combined to obstruct our way. Difficulties have been met and overcome, steep after steep has arisen before us, and been ascended, each succeeding one more difficult of ascent than the former; yet through the grace of God we have thus far attained. And now comes the last and most difficult consummation of this most glorious work, the work of preparation for our Saviour’s coming, the “Health Reform.” How it looms before us, mountain high! How we shrink and fear; yet oh! how we long to bask in the calm sunshine of perfect purity and holiness which rests like a halo of glory upon its summit. Is it inaccessible? What saith the “faithful and true Witness?” “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me on my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father on his throne.” The prize therefore may be obtained; we may overcome. Let us then set about the work with a will, and resolve that in the strength of the Lord we will overcome; and the work is more than half accomplished. Let us also gird on the whole armor; for Satan and his legions will confront us at every step. Ah! the wily foe! Well he knows that when once the summit is gained, his power over us is at an end. Therefore he will marshal all his forces. We must labor with our weapons in our hand, as did the Jews of old while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, Neb. iv, 17, never for a moment laying down our arms, for in that moment the enemy has an advantage over us. Seasons of depression and discouragement will often be ours: evil angels will press their darkness upon us, striving to shut out the light thereby causing us to lose our way. Oh! for Heavenly wisdom! Oh! for the Spirit’s aid, and the constant watchcare of holy angels to guide us over the perilous paths. And these blessings can be obtained for the asking. “If any lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.” James i, 5. “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” John xiv, 14. “He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; he that keepeth thee will not slumber.” Ps. cxxi, 3. Precious promises, now doubly dear! We need also great faith; great clearness of mental vision to enable us to pierce the gloom which surrounds us, and fix our gaze with earnest hope and trust, upon the heavenly radiance which lies beyond. And this also we shall gain at every step. And when, at length, we reach the eternal sunshine and cast a backward glance at the ragged path over which our feet are now so wearily treading, how will our hearts swell with joy and gratitude over one more victory won, and every trial endured, every struggle gone through, and every temptation overcome, will change itself into a blessing and descend in sweet refreshings upon our heads.

And onward, yet a little farther, dark and thorny we know the way will be, but very short. Our longing eyes shall see the King in his beauty; our tears shall be wiped away, and our conflicts cease. Oh! joy upon joy! Then can the tired soldier throw off the harness and shout in the joy of his heart; “The battle is ended and the victory won?” Oh! with what songs of praise and victory will Heaven’s arches then ring! May you and I, dear reader, be there to swell the chorus.

S. S. BARTLETT.

Holly, Mich., 1867.