Our Affections by A. S. Nason

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 28, 1871

Our Affections.

By A. S. Nason

“SET your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.” Col. 3:2. How hard many of us find it to comply with the above command. The world is around us, with its various temptations, and unless we cling closely to Jesus, our minds become darkened, the light of Heaven is shut out, and we are left to go downward step by step. I can testify to the truth of this from my own experience. Twelve years ago I left the Advent faith, after being brought up in its precious truth from childhood. I yielded my home, a father’s watchful care and earnest entreaties for my good, and my only sister I had left in the world. I did not see the weary path stretching before me filled with briers and cruel thorns. Satan had blinded my eyes and hardened my heart. But how bitterly have I since repented my unwise course. My sweet sister that I separated from in the faith, now sleeps in the silent grave, beside my mother. She did not live to see me repent. I think perhaps Jesus suffered her to sleep, in mercy, to save her from the influence of the course I was pursuing.

Oh! how hard and rebellious was my wicked heart, and yet God in tender love and pity had not cast me off forever. His mercy has brought me back at last, after all these weary years. The world that once looked to me so enchanting, has lost for me its value. The scales have fallen from my eyes, and whereas I was blind, now I see. I have made my path to Heaven a great deal harder by my past rebellion, but, hard as it is, I would not exchange it for anything this poor world can afford. Jesus’ love and his smiles are sweeter to me than all the treasures of earth. He has lifted me up out of darkness and anguish, and in his presence I find fullness of joy.

There is no love like that of Jesus, no bliss equal to that which religion affords. I will not murmur at trials, no matter how hard to bear, if I may only feel that I have the strong arm of the Lord to lean on. Let me keep close to the side of Jesus and then though the rains beat and the floods come, I will not fear, but with eyes uplifted to his dear face, I will press steadily on to the journey’s end.

If any shall read this sketch who are still clinging to the world, and feeling that its friendship stands between them and God, I entreat of such to break the chains that bind them, and take firm hold of the truth which alone can give them consolation in the fearful day that is coming. Wait not for the bitter cup of affliction to be pressed to your lips, or you may have to drink it to the dregs. There is nothing gained by waiting to come to Christ. “To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” He bids you come. He is stretching out his arms to receive you. He will be a strong refuge for you in the day of trouble, a light round about you in darkness. Come, then, oh! come, while yet his mercy lingers. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come, and let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will let him take the water of life freely.”

A. S. NASON.

Lynn, Mass.