Untitled article by M. J. COTTRELL

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 19, 1867

A FEW THOUGHTS.

By M. J. COTTRELL

“A crown of glory bright, By faith I see In yonder realms of light, Prepared for me.”

I was sitting alone, singing those words when the question, Shall I ever wear a crown? came with great force to my mind; and I involuntarily paused in my singing and looked at this question, which was no new one, but which had come to me with a new and vivid light, bringing with it a reality I never before felt. Shall this form ever be clothed in a robe of white, one of Heaven’s pure, spotless garments? And shall this head ever wear a crown?

I seemed to see myself in the simple yet richly-bright attire, as though a picture were held before me, and with trembling I questioned, Can it ever be? I think I have never fully comprehended the reality of these things of which we speak so often. Not that I have not believed that the saints will be clothed in real robes, and wear real crowns, but I have never before thought of my own self personally, really and truly, this body, this identical I, as standing among the purified. And still with trembling I questioned, Can it ever be? I am so weak, and bend so easily to surrounding circumstances. I have grown to love the approbation of the world so much, that a constant, mighty effort alone can save me. Little have I thought that I was striving harder to please earthly friends than to please him who is a friend above all others. But I fear that this is so.

My young friends, Satan will make us think that we are serving the Lord when we are not, if he can; and he is so artful that he can easily get the better of us, unless we are constantly looking above with earnest, heartfelt desires for strength and wisdom. Let us try to humble ourselves, to bow low and cry to God for a deeper work of grace in our hearts, not our neighbor’s, or brother’s, or our sister’s heart, but our own; and if we get where we cannot see any thing wrong about us, let the burden of our prayer be, Merciful God, show me myself as seen by thee.

I will try to deny self, take up every cross in the path, and tread with unwavering feet where duty points; and I know that if this is the steady purpose of my daily life, I shall not be left to meet the cruel foe alone. A fearful time is opening before us, and darkness may close around us. Yea, I feel that it will, through which no ray of light will shine, and dreadful doubts come to us, when our only safety will be in looking with steadfast gaze to God, saying, My trust is in thee, I will wait, pray and trust. And the struggle will not be brief; we have forgotten that we are to be tried. Shall it be found that we are all dross? God help us to feel our need of his help.

M. J. COTTRELL.

Rochester, N. Y.