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THE LAST IDOL

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 25, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 32, No. 10.

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THE LAST IDOL.

By Mary M. Cook

In one of the ancient wars, the conquering army had orders to demolish every idol throughout the land. They marched on in triumph, casting down the idols of every character. As they advanced, the rightful sway of the conqueror was everywhere acknowledged. Yet, in their march, they came to one dearest of all, which the people begged in beseeching tones to have preserved; but the order was to destroy every vestige of idolatry. And with sturdy blow and resolute will, the conquerors laid low this cherished idol, when out rolled great treasures—gold, diamonds and costly pearls.
Jesus, the conquering King, has issued orders to demolish every idol in the human heart; to cast down everything that exalts itself. He has come to you and to me, and says, Give me thy heart. He asks the whole heart. Perhaps he reigns over a limited territory. To conquer us this much, he has been forced by his providence to lay low these idols we would not yield, or through slow and painful discipline we have ourselves cast them at his feet; yet to this hour he has not full possession; and the order to-day is, Cast out every idol. There may be but one remaining, and that the costliest offering we can bring to the dear Redeemer; but his voice rings out clear and loud above all our pleadings, and demands the gift. Shall we yield willingly? or compel him to deal sturdy, terrible blows before our idol falls? Oh! if we will consent to its downfall, as it falls, from beneath will roll out treasures, great treasures, treasures of grace, of influence and usefulness. Oh! how precious, how sweet the communion then with the God of all power. How rich the costly things of grace, the blessed fruits of the Spirit, the fellowship of saints, the promise of holy angels to guard us, victory over death if faithful, the robe, the palm, and the crown. All these are hidden beneath that last idol, and through its fall will all be revealed.
May the good Lord give strength and grace that you and I, dear reader, may be able to throw down the last idol, overcome every besetting sin, and with the sanctified enter the pearly gates, there to walk the golden streets with the glorious, happy throng forever and ever.
MARY M. COOK.
Kansas.