Untitled article by E. R. F.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, January 21, 1868

“DARE TO BE RIGHT.”

By E. R. F.

THIS is a short sentence, but filled with meaning. It implies a battle to be fought, and points to the victory won. The battle is not for the strong alone. All may engage in it; and, as expressed by the apostle, the contest is “with the world, the flesh and the Devil.” These are all mighty foes, but not invincible.

In what does true moral courage consist? Is it the mere acknowledgment of truth? When soldiers arrange themselves on the field of battle, with the enemy at hand, they have yet to make the trial of their courage. Many test it with their life-blood. So with those who engage in the contest with evil. When they see and acknowledge the truth, they have but marched out upon the battle-field. Their courage is yet to be proved. It is at this point, many draw back and show their lack of bravery. They cannot stand up stiffly and valiantly for the right, against the sneers of their enemies. My friends, if the frown of the world look so terrible, how do you expect to meet the penetrating gaze of the King of kings, when the “great day of his wrath is come?” Oh! I entreat you, gird yourselves anew for the battle, and cease not the warfare till the victory is yours. Many have already sealed their courage with their lives. Shouts of victory have ascended from the flames and the racks, and millions of martyrs rest from their labors, awaiting the crown, which, the apostle tells us, is to be bestowed at the coming of Christ. A person may be numbered among the world’s heroes, may stand unmoved in the thickest of the fight, and unterrified may face death at the cannon’s mouth, and yet be destitute of moral courage. Alexander the Great is an instance of this. The conqueror of nations, he had not the courage to resist the temptation presented through the medium of the appetite. He fell, and his glory is shrouded in shame.

What a striking and beautiful contrast to this, do we behold in the life and character of Jesus. In him we have a perfect example of true courage. He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. Despised and rejected of men, and buffeted by Satan, he ever kept in view his mission on the earth. He was a “Man of sorrows” and acquainted with grief, yet he overcame all, and is exalted to the right hand of God, making intercession for us. Blessed Saviour! we would look to thee for strength in the battle.

Brethren and sisters, Jesus is our Captain; and he bids us overcome even as he also overcame. We each have a work to do, and the promise is, that, if we act well our part, we shall sit with Christ on his throne. What greater honor could we desire? ’Tis more than we could claim, to be exalted to a place at his feet, but his great love lifts his people to a place at his side. Truly, if Alexander could demand of a cowardly soldier, bearing his name, to give that up or else imitate his courage, our Lord with greater emphasis, calls on us to give up his name or follow his example. If there

ever was a time when the people of God should have courage, it is now, while the perils of the last days are thickening around us. Let us study more to be like Christ and to reflect his image. May the Lord help us who are young to heed the solemn testimonies given us, and to show forth the character of Christ in our lives. I have never felt more like being in earnest about my salvation than I do at the present time. Jesus is soon coming: We can engage in the battle but little longer. Our enemy is making every effort to deprive us of eternal life, but our Redeemer is mighty to save. Then let us possess courage in the Lord, fight nobly, and when the battle is over and the roll called, not one will be missing. May we ever live faithful, and be saved in the kingdom of God.

“Dare to be right, dare to be true, You have a work which no other can do. Do it so bravely, so kindly, so well, Angels will hasten the story to tell. Dare to be right, dare to be true, God who created you, cares for you too, Treasures the tears that his striving ones shed, Counts and protects every hair of your head.”

E. R. F.

Battle Creek, Mich.