p. 5 | M. E. EMMERSON by M. E. Emmerson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 28, 1910

M. E. EMMERSON

By M. E. Emmerson

Persevere

M. E. EMMERSON

To stay close by a thing when it runs smoothly can not truly be called perseverance. If everything went nicely at all times, never would we have occasion to use the word persevere. The word in itself suggests difficulties, and when turned to resources, perseverance must be employed continually.

The road to true success is strewn with thorns and hedged in on every side,—barriers on the right hand and on the left. However, the path behind is generally open to the one who is tired of striving, and, sad to say, many turn to travel the downward road after spending some time in climbing the rugged path which leads to endless day.

The prize awaiting the brave, persevering traveler is great. "God so

loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Everlasting life may be obtained. God's gift is eternal life through his Son. How great the gift! Can it be measured?

Yes, the prize is great. No mortal mind can comprehend its grandeur. We try to imagine its beauty and durability, but the tongue can not frame words to express the effect produced upon the soul. Some of its glories have been seen, and are partially described in Holy Writ. But “eye hath not seen,” neither “hath ear heard,” what God hath in store for the brave and persevering. Think of the dwelling-places the saints, together with the angels, will have,—the city, the New Jerusalem. John beheld its wonderful walls decked with all manner of precious stones, its gates of pearl, and streets of pure gold, like unto transparent glass. He saw the tree of life, and the river of life proceeding from God's throne. The throne, he said, had a rainbow about it. Aye, and more than this, he saw that which no language can describe.

Our eyes drop again to the road that must be traversed in order to reach this home. Many footprints, stained by blood, show that soldiers of the cross have gone before. Wrecks of manhood on the right and on the left show that many have fallen. The road becomes still more dangerous. Satan watches to destroy, and only the unseen angels keep him from taking the pilgrim's life as he presses his way homeward. 'The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.' This precious promise is for every true, persevering soul. So let us take courage and travel on. The way is rough, but it can not be long.

Kolo, Basutoland, Africa.