Untitled article by A. M. A. Cornell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, March 3, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 12

COME UNTO ME.

By A. M. A. Cornell

“Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Luke xi, 28-30.

I have been thinking much of late of this remarkable passage of scripture. Naturally one would not expect to obtain rest by wearing a yoke, or bearing a burden; but our Saviour assures us that such is the case; for, saith he, my yoke is easy, and my burden is light, wholly unlike that imposed upon the people by the scribes and Pharisees, not such as the apostles spoke of, that they were not able to bear. No, this yoke rests lightly upon the necks that are cheerfully bowed to receive it. This burden is no incumbrance to the traveler journeying Zionward. So far from it, those who heed this gracious invitation of the Saviour find rest to their souls. Yes, if we only love God, we shall ever find his service delightful, and labor for him no hard wearisome task. But in order to obtain this rest, the conditions must be faithfully complied with. We must be learners of Jesus in all things, and like him be meek and lowly in heart. I have been reminded of the importance of this, especially of late, as I have heard some confess with tears their lack in this respect, and resolve to cultivate the excellent graces of meekness and humility.

By nature the human heart is inclined to be the opposite of all that is amiable and lovely, but by the grace of God the evil traits may be subdued, and we may have our characters adorned with the precious graces described by the apostle. But we must realize that to overcome our evil habits and passions, we must put forth an earnest, persevering effort. It will cost a severe struggle perhaps; but resolve not to yield the contest; for defeat in this warfare will be certain ruin, and victory sweet, even though it be obtained at the loss of all that the world regards as desirable. Let us immediately engage in this work of seeking the Lord anew, and strive for a more thorough and entire consecration to God. The Lord has not forgotten his people, nor forsaken his inheritance, but is now “binding up,” “healing” and “reviving” them.

Let our motto be “Courage in the Lord,” and let us gird the Christian armor tightly about us, having over all the shield of faith, that we may be protected from Satan’s fiery darts. Oh! may every one of God’s dear children know from experience what this scripture meaneth. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.” Isa. xxvi, 4, 5.

May the tried gold be ours, and the faith that works by love be in lively exercise. Let the words of our Saviour sound continually in our ears, and find a response in all our hearts. Have faith in God.

A. M. A. CORNELL.

Battle Creek, Mich.