The Parting Hour by M. J. Bahler

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

The Parting Hour.

By M. J. Bahler

“BUT the parting hour came, as it does and will to all earthly scenes.”

As I read these words of Bro. Smith, in speaking of the close of the New England camp-meeting, tears sprang to my eyes, and vividly before my mind came scenes of sad partings; and the thought that while on this earth sad partings will come, and though they bring to our hearts much pain, yet we must meet them, we must pass through the parting hour. And sometimes the separation is one of years that know no ending; for even beyond the grave there may be no re-union. Sad and solemn thought! May it cause us to double our diligence, to put away every sin, and so live by the hour, and moment, that, should death seal us in his dark prison-house, there may be hope for us of a reunion in the bright morning of the resurrection.

In this life we shall never know redemption from the pain of partings; but to the home of the glorified it can never come.

The gates of pearl will never open to, or close upon, a mourner. No sad hearts there, no cries of pain, or groanings of distress; but music, sweet, soul-reviving music, is borne upon the air of that bright home.

Then will we not strive earnestly for a home there. Jesus has died to gain for us that home of eternal bliss; but there remains to us something to do, duties to perform, sins to confess and turn from, and a stubborn will to yield to God. It is a great work, but we can do it; our merciful Father in Heaven will aid us in the work, if he sees in our hearts sincerity; and with his help we shall come off more than conquerors.

Then let us ne’er the struggle yield, Take courage weary one; Jesus is leader on this field, The strife is almost done.

M. J. BAHLER.