p. 74 | TO YOUNG PROFESSORS by ANGELIA J. EDMUNDS

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

TO YOUNG PROFESSORS.

By ANGELIA J. EDMUNDS

How apt we are to run well for a season; but when persecutions, trials of our faith, and strong temptations from the enemy beat our pathway, how soon we grow weary and cease our watchfulness! how soon we get into a lukewarm state, which is very displeasing to our kind Heavenly Father. We must have a living experience every day.

That which, if rightly battled with, would strengthen us to face the enemy with greater courage, another time, is the means of discouragement to us because we go too much in our own strength. In the trying hour we should look to our chief Commander. Jesus knows our weakness. He can fully sympathize with us. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." "For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." This dear Saviour has said, "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcome, and am set down with my Father in his throne." Yes, we are to overcome, even as Jesus overcame. "Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared." This same Jesus was made "perfect through sufferings."

Our Saviour never sinned. When he was tempted he fasted forty days and forty nights. He answered the tempter with words found in the word of God, and often did he go out into the mountain alone to pray. There, while his locks were wet with the dews of night, he struggled many hours in agony of soul. Again, see him in the garden of Gethsemane. What anguish! Three times he fell on the ground and prayed. His disciples were weary; their eyes were heavy. Hear his gentle reproof: "Simon, sleepest thou? could'st not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." See how sympathetic. The third time he returns from prayer, and again finds them sleeping. The disciples knew not what to answer him the second time. How their hearts must have sunk within them when they heard him say, "Sleep on now, and take your rest; it is enough, the hour is come; behold the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners." Simon Peter relied too much on his own strength; he was sure that he never would deny Jesus, but in a few hours he denied him with cursing and swearing. Jesus turned and looked upon him. Oh, how sorrowful was that look. Peter's heart was melted; he went out and wept bitterly. Was he forgiven? Yes; Jesus will always forgive if we repent of our sins, even "until seventy times seven." But can he, will he help us if we help not ourselves? No, no. Eighteen hundred years ago his precious blood was shed on Calvary for every one. Now he pleads before his Father for us. When he sees a heartfelt desire for holiness on our part; a determination to do right, let come what may, then he will help us. Then, in Jesus' strength, we shall be strong and overcome all that is wrong. He never ceased the conflict with the great archdeceiver.

Jesus overcame! If one so good as he had to lead such a prayerful life, how necessary it is that we should "pray without ceasing." Think you it will be a smaller matter to overcome? My brother, my sister, oh, do not lay down the oars when you are half way up the stream, and drift down to take them up again, and go the same journey over, while your brother that was by your side has kept resolutely on against the breakers; he has nearly reached the haven. You can see his form in the distance; if you do not renew your diligence and make an extra effort against the wind and tide, soon, with anguish of heart, you will hear his shout of victory; the angels will have taken him to meet his Lord in the air, and you are lost, forever lost. How bitter will be your wailing then.

A sister commences reading her Bible through; soon her zeal abates; perhaps she reads her Bible on the Sabbath day, forgetting through the week that Jesus said "Search the Scriptures." Months pass; again she is aroused to duty; this time, she says, "I will read my Bible through," and begins reading the first book over again. Soon she sees her friend, and asks, "Where are you reading?" "In Kings. I have read the Bible through once, and as far as that again since we commenced." With tears in her eyes, she says, "I stopped."

A young man is placed on a sick bed. Tossing to and fro, week after week, with a burning fever, he begins to realize that death is in our land, and is sorry he has not lived more faithful. There he asks God to forgive him, and promises, if his life is spared, to live a better life. He is raised to health, and begins to bear the cross. Jesus smiles upon him and he is happy; but in a few months after, with tears, he will tell you he has become discouraged, and ceased to pray.

My dear young friends, commence again, and never stop. "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who, for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin."

Oh! I entreat of you, be in earnest in regard to your soul's salvation. Jesus is our pattern; we should strive against sin as hard as he did; look to him and he will help you. Poor sinners, come to Jesus and find pardon before it is too late.

ANGELIA J. EDMUNDS.