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Another Reservation

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 21, 1902

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 79, No. 42.

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Another Reservation

By F. D. Starr

F. D. STARR
Whenever a new reservation is opened up by the government, there is a great rush on the part of hundreds and even thousands of people to enter the territory and secure a claim. Thrilling experiences are related of these adventurers, eager to gain the coveted possession. There is at present, in some localities, an all-absorbing interest in obtaining desirable pieces of land. People seem to be thinking of little else, as if journeying upon the broad ocean, when nearing the coast, “Land! land!” is the oft-repeated cry.
But there is another reservation for those who are seeking a better country. Have you heard of that reservation? Do you not desire to know about it?—Certainly. What reservation is it?—“An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” 1 Peter 1:4. Here is a reservation, secure, beyond the liability of any one’s contesting your claim. “Reserved . . . for you.” Did you know it? Can it be possible that for me personally this reservation is secured—a reserved possession, a reserved home?—Yes, and a reserved seat. Reserved seats are expensive. Who has paid for one for me? I have not; I could not; my abject poverty would not permit me to do it.
Vast sums of money were paid to secure favorable seats from which to view the display and royal splendor of the expected coronation procession of Britain’s monarch, but such seats were cheap and commonplace in comparison with the seat that has been reserved for you. And there will be no delay nor disappointment in the coming coronation scene when the redeemed of all ages shall meet to “crown him Lord of all.” No sickness nor other unforeseen calamity can cause a postponement of the event, and the heirs of the kingdom have crowns reserved for them.
Of this reservation it is said by our Saviour: “Every man presseth into it.” Surely there can be none who would not desire such an inheritance. But no one will be a winner unless he takes the proper course. He is not crowned except he strive lawfully. “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matt. 11:12. O for more of this celestial energy, this divine patriotism that secures a claim in the heavenly reservation!