p. 103 | Untitled article by H. F. Phelps

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, January 28, 1868

SABBATH EVENING THOUGHTS.

By H. F. Phelps

Another week has passed away; a week of toil; a week of anxiety. What record will it leave for me? I know those heavenly secretaries have made a faithful record of every act, of every word, of every thought. They have not omitted even one little thing. There is in Heaven a faithful picture of my character, as correct a picture of self as can be made by the skillful artist. Yes, far more so. This comparison falls far short, for they can only give a fac simile of the exterior person; and at these times we are sure to put the best side out. But these heavenly angels, these heavenly artists, are faithfully setting opposite our names, every thing good or bad, a smile, a frown, a little deed of kindness, a little word of love, a little act of meanness, deeds great and small. These records are made with sorrow as they record the evils of our character, but, methinks, with joy when they find some good act to record, or a bad act repented of. These bad records are set to our account, and they must be cancelled; but in no other way, but by the blood of Christ, through faith in his name, or by the death of the sinner. We must give an account for all these things. For God will bring everything into judgment whether it be good or whether it be bad. We are now living in the time of God's judgment. The cases of the dead are being decided. Soon the living must come up in review before him. When my case comes, what will the records be? Will they be cancelled by the blood of Christ? As the great Judge reviews my character, what a dark page, a dark catalogue, presents itself. Methinks as he casts his eye down the first column he sees many sins, but few good things. What now? What next? Will he pass sentence? Ah! there is another column. Down the column is written, Repentance, pardoned. Ah! are my sins all repented of? Is pardon written opposite my name? Has the blood of Christ cancelled all those misdeeds of mine? May God grant that this may be the case.

But this week is passed away. It never can be recalled. Were its moments rightly spent? or have any of these golden moments been misspent? How do these records stand? What has been my conduct? Have I stood manfully for the right? Have I set a good example before the world? before my neighbors? before my family? Have I curbed my passions? or have they run as without bit or bridle? Have I exalted in myself the right, and endeavored to put down the wrong? Have I been hasty, or patient? proud and haughty, or meek and humble? Has self been exalted, or abused? In short, have I made any advancements in overcoming? Have I gained anything? or has it been a loss? Have I through faith been delivered out of the temptations of Satan? If so, well. But now I've entered on holy time. May my thoughts be drawn in from the things of the world. May I be able to keep this day as will be pleasing in his sight. May I not seek my own pleasures, or speak my own words. May my meditation be sweet, and may I delight myself in God's word. If God's people are permitted to meet, and I with them, may I do my duty, in the fear of God, and leave the consequences with Him who rules all. And may I at last have an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of God.

H. F. PHELPS.

Pine Island, Minn.