Untitled article by J. F. McREYNOLDS

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, October 15, 1867

FromThe Advent Review & Sabbath Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 18

GRACE.

By J. F. McREYNOLDS

One signification of this word is divine help. When we pray for grace to overcome, do we realize that the work is our own, and that we are required to take hold of it with a will to help ourselves? An individual who has a hard task to perform cannot consistently ask for the help of his friends, when he has not put forth a proper effort to help himself. And if we would have our prayers prevail in the heavenly sanctuary, we must know that there is in us a determination to work for ourselves, not striving in doubt, but in full expectation of success, knowing that our warfare is not uncertain in the strength of God.

It was by this mode of action that all the ancient worthies performed great deeds, in the strength of grace. It was thus that the little shepherd slew the giant of the Philistines, and gave victory to the army of the Lord. David was confident of victory as he went out to meet his antagonist; and we may move as confidently as he if we not only have determined to work, but do work with a zeal according to the object to be obtained. Yes; though propensity for sin is chronic as a physical disease of long standing, the victory is sure to those who will learn endurance—“who by patient continuance in well doing,” seek the reward—“who press toward the mark for the prize.”

Of those who strive for high attainments in the things of this world many fail, and none can be sure of success. But, praise God, none who strive in His cause need fail. His grace is sufficient for the weakest, and the strongest cannot succeed without it.

Surely, “happy is the people whose God is the Lord.”

J. F. McREYNOLDS.

Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.