WHO WILL BE A JEWEL? by M. P. Stiles

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 27, 1868

WHO WILL BE A JEWEL?

By M. P. Stiles

The Lord is about making up his jewels. Oh! who will be a gem in the Master's casket? Who will be so adorned with Christian graces that they can bear the cleansing, hewing and polishing it will require to fit us to become companions for Jesus and the pure and holy angels?

Oh! how unworthy I feel, and the tears flow as I realize the weakness of sinful flesh, and the many times "when I would do good, evil is present with me," and I feel that if Jesus should to-day come to my name in the grand review, I should be pronounced "wanting." Painfully do I realize that I am not ready. But thank God! I am hungering and thirsting, and I have the promise that I shall be filled.

This evening, while meditating on the great work of preparation to meet our Lord in peace, my thoughts took this form: If I receive a telegram that a cherished friend will arrive on the next train, I immediately apply myself to finding what preparation is necessary, what change in wardrobe and household affairs is desirable for the proper reception of such an esteemed guest. Now, while I am washing and dusting, changing apparel, &c., it is evident that I am not waiting; but when all is accomplished, and as I cast my eyes about and feel that all is done that I can do, then am I waiting for the train and my coming friend.

This seems to me to be the position we must occupy with our coming Saviour. We must get into this waiting position and then we shall be ready to work for Jesus successfully, and to receive the blessing when God pours it upon his people. May he in his great and tender mercy, and by his Holy Spirit, help us to so hasten our work of preparation that we can say when Jesus comes, "Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us."

Poor and unworthy as this is, it is written in the fear of God, and with an increasing conviction that he will have no drones in his service.

Yours, hoping to meet my Saviour with joy.

M. P. STILES.

Kent Co., Mich.