LOOK UP by Mina Philo

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 21, 1869

LOOK UP.

By Mina Philo

WHAT a blessed thought, when burdened with sorrow and cares, that we have the privilege of looking up to our Father in Heaven for consolation, who "giveth liberally, and upbraideth not." And if led to doubt our acceptance with God, let us remember that the precious blood of our Saviour was shed for our salvation, and be willing to humble ourselves at the foot of the cross. Then, by confessing our sins and putting them away, we can by faith look up and be healed, even as the children of Israel looked up to the brazen serpent in the wilderness, and were healed of the bite.

Oh! why will so many cling to the vanities of this life, and look down to this world of sin for happiness? Had we not better, like Paul, take pleasure here in infirmities, reproaches, persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake, and look up to those mansions which Jesus is preparing for the faithful few? Look up to that blessed Saviour who will have compassion on us when earthly friends forsake? Look up to our God, who has promised to be our Father? What greater love can we ask than he has bestowed, to allow us, poor, erring mortals, to call the creator of the heavens and the earth "Our Father."

Yes, let us, though "friends may hate and foes may scorn," look away from this world that is groaning under its weight of sin, and look up, knowing that our redemption draweth nigh, notwithstanding we hear the scoffers declare that "old mother earth still continues on," while they are saying in their hearts, "Where is the promise of His coming," and, "My Lord delayeth." The tarrying time will soon close. Oh! bright and glorious hope to the ridiculed and faithful waiting ones, to whom he will appear the "second time without sin unto salvation."

Then let us search out our sins, and strive earnestly to overcome, and so live that the blood of souls may not be found on our garments. Then with confidence we can look up until we see him coming in the clouds of heaven, and be able to say, This is our God, and we will save us. Then when the so-called mighty ones of this earth are covered with shame, and are overwhelmed with the general destruction which is the reward of evil-doers, the poor despised pilgrim will be caught up to meet their Lord, and be clothed with the white robes of righteousness, and receive the approval of him who then shall reign King of kings, and be enabled to sing the song of deliverance. Oh! then, let us live for this until the day dawn, and we shall see our Lord in his beauty. MRS. MINA PHILO. Montcalm Co., Mich.