Human Sympathy by Geo. O. States

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 6, 1916

Human Sympathy

By Geo. O. States

THERE are times in our Christian experience, when we all find that the burden seems just a little more than we can carry. We look over our lives and see so many, many mistakes that we feel discouraged and like giving up the struggle. At such times, if we could only have a few words of encouragement, or if some one would tell us of some time when we had been the means of helping him in passing through some trial, it would help us much.

During the past few weeks I have passed through an experience that has done me so much good that I feel I should like to tell it to the readers of the REVIEW for their encouragement. Since my article “He Knoweth” appeared in the REVIEW, I have had a number of letters from individuals scattered from the Atlantic to the Pacific, telling me how their hearts went out in sympathy for me in my affliction, and how much my article had helped them. Some said that they too were passing through affliction, and that my experience seemed to be just what they needed at that particular time.

I should be so glad, if my health would permit, to write a personal letter to each, but as I am not able to do this, I wish to say, These letters have done me much good. Never in the nearly sixty years that I have been a member of this church have I experienced such a drawing out of my heart to my brethren and sisters. It has been some time since I have been able to attend meetings or Sabbath school, and as I have received these letters, and have read them over on Sabbath days when at home alone, they have given me much confidence in the closing message.

I want to say to the readers of our church paper, that these are the people that are giving the third angel's message, and I love them as never before. As I read these letters, most of them from strangers, it caused my heart to go out in sympathy to our missionaries who have left their loved ones and the comforts of the homeland, and are passing through strange experiences, learning a strange language, adapting themselves to conditions not the most pleasant. It has given me more confidence and love for our young people who are out on the firing line, doing what I should so much like to do.

I cannot go out as I used to, but I can say to the younger ones, Stay by the work; continue to give the message. There is not a day passes but thousands of gray-haired fathers and mothers all over the homeland are earnestly pleading with the Lord to bless our missionaries scattered in all parts of the world. Dear brethren and sisters, the God who has charge of this work is a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God. He may not answer according to our desires, very often does not, but he does what is for his glory and our good. In order for us to have the sympathy for others that we should, we need to pass through experiences similar to theirs.

We who are getting old cannot fill the calls that are coming from all the dark countries of earth, but we can pray for those who go, and write them encouraging letters, extending to them our sympathy and love, saying, “Soon the work will close and these perplexities will end.”

GEO. O. STATES.

Cedaredge, Colo.