Untitled article by Simon Patten

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, October 22, 1867

“COURAGE IN THE LORD, BRETHREN.”

By Simon Patten

Yes, brethren, I repeat it, “Courage in the Lord.” How these words sounded when spoken by Bro. White at our late Convocation Meeting. And when he told how, on a certain occasion, they encouraged his heart as he was near desponding, it sent a thrill of joy through my heart, and I felt to renew my courage in the Lord. Brethren and sisters, you who are weak and desponding, how I wish these words might sound in your ears—“Courage in the Lord, Brethren!” Don’t, when you see your weakness, get discouraged, but look to the Lord and take courage; yes, take courage in the God and Rock of our salvation. If you know your sinfulness, and realize your inability in your own strength to keep the commandments, it is as it should be; but, instead of causing discouragement, it should lead you to trust in the Lord, knowing your weakness if you cease to rely on him, and in his strength be courageous.

Jesus has left his Holy Spirit to comfort our hearts; angels of God are around us, and if we trust in God they will deliver from the power of Satan and all his evil host. “More are they that are for us than they which be against us.” If the eyes of those in discouragement could but be opened, they would see angels which excel in strength watching over them and trying

to direct their minds upward, desiring them to have courage in the Lord, and go forward in the path of duty. And besides these heavenly aids, your brethren are interested in your case. How it pains my heart to see any one discouraged. Oh! that I might say something that would enable such to take a new start with the people of God.

And here I would direct your minds to the Health Reform, and the work it will do for you in this matter. It will give you clearness of mind and buoyancy of spirit which you cannot have without it. Many of you, no doubt, know by experience that when the body is oppressed by sickness, or in a state of exhaustion from any cause, then is the time you are troubled most with desponding thoughts. Is it not then a duty you owe to God and to yourself, to use every means in your power to keep the body in as healthful conditions as possible? And if, while living up to all the light you have on this subject, you pray much and fervently for divine aid, the Lord will help you to rise above your depressing feelings, and to have “courage in the Lord.”

SIMON PATTEN.

Germania, Wis.