p. 207 | ALMOST HOME by L. E. Miller

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 13, 1868

ALMOST HOME.

By L. E. Miller

A little while longer, only a little while longer, and then this mortal shall put on immortality. This sweet thought has been making music in my heart today, and I have often whispered the words, Only a little while longer, and then shall we reach our heavenly home in the paradise of God. Farewell, then to sorrow and sighing. No tears in that blessed land, no weary, burdened hearts, no broken friendship, no more scorn and reproach when we enter the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem, and hear the joyful welcome, Well done. Oh! how sweet will be the rest that remaineth for the people of God, who have come up out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them nor any heat. For the Lamb, which is in the midst of the throne, shall feed them, and lead them unto living fountains of water. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

How cheering to my heart are these sweet promises, as I see by the signs on every hand that we are nearing the beautiful city of our God. Time's career is closing. Probation will soon end. How solemn the thought. Jesus will soon say, “He that is filthy let him be filthy still, and he that is holy let him be holy still. O my soul, what preparation art thou making to receive the king of glory? Art thou redeeming the time because the days are evil? Art thou robing thyself in bridal array? Hast thou the tried gold and the eyesalve? Alas! alas, the great day of his wrath is coming, and who will be able to stand. We must work while the day lasts. These golden opportunities will soon be past. Our cases will soon come to Judgment, and pass the solemn test. Awake, O thou that sleepest, arise, and shine, for thy light is come. Break the strong fetters with which Satan has bound thee. Come away from earth's vain allurements. Lift thy thoughts homeward. View those bright mansions which Jesus has gone to prepare for all those that love his appearing. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit, and even here, by faith, we catch glimpses of our heavenly home, and sigh to be there. Oh! let us be vigilant, for our adversary goeth about, like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour; but Jesus is a strong tower into which the righteous run and are safe. Let us remember, help is laid on one that is mighty and able to save, even to the uttermost, all that come unto him. Will you come? Will you listen to the sweet invitation of Jesus? Whosoever will let him come and partake of the waters of life freely. Oh! praise the Lord, Heaven is free to all that will come. Oh! let us make sure work for eternity. Let it not be said of us, dear reader, He is joined to his idols, let him alone. Oh! dreadful state of deep despair to wake when it is too late. Our eternal destiny will soon be sealed.

Oh! may we all be ready and waiting when our glorious Deliverer shall come, and hear him say, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

L. E. MILLER.

Shabbona, Ill.