WHY DOST THOU WAIT?

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 9, 1871

WHY DOST THOU WAIT?

Poor, trembling lamb! Ah! who outside the fold Has bid thee stand, all weary as thou art, Dangers around thee, and the bitter cold Creeping and growing to thy inmost heart? Who bids thee wait till some mysterious feeling, Thou know'st not what—perchance may'st never know, Shall find thee, when in darkness thou art kneeling, And fill thee with a rich and wondrous glow Of love and faith, and change to warmth and light The chill and darkness of thy spirit's night?

For miracles like this who bids thee wait?

Behold! “the Spirit and the bride say, Come,” The tender Shepherd opens wide the gate, And in his love would gently lead thee home. Why shouldst thou wait? Long centuries ago, Thou timid lamb, the Shepherd paid for thee! Thou art his own. Wouldst thou his beauty know, Nor trust the love which yet thou canst not see? Thou hast not learned this lesson to receive: More blest are they who see not, yet believe.

Still dost thou wait for feeling? Dost thou say, “Fain would I love and trust, but hope is dead, I have no faith, and without faith, who may Rest in the blessing which is only shed Upon the faithful? I must stand and wait?” Not so. The Shepherd does not ask of thee Faith in thy faith, but only faith in him. And this he meant in saying, “Come to me.” In light or darkness, seek to do his will, And leave the work of faith to Jesus still. —Sel.