p. 35 | Shall we Draw Back? by Angelia J. Edmunds

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 16, 1872

Shall we Draw Back?

By Angelia J. Edmunds

After having walked in the narrow path many years, shall we cease the journey? Shall we halt by the way because of the trials and perplexities of this life? Shall the cares of this life weigh us down, and gloom and sadness continually shade our brow? No! there is hope for us. Lonely pilgrim, look. Although the path is straight and narrow, it will not be long. We are nearing the end. Do you not see the beautiful gates of the heavenly city, with their many pearls? An angel is in waiting to welcome you there. Back it swings on its glittering hinges, and you hear the welcome, “Come, ye blessed of my Father.”

Does not the glory of that place already shine upon you, and your countenance light up with holy joy? In contemplation, can you not already see the golden streets and hear the song of praise, “Worthy is the Lamb?”

Lingering feet, make haste! Joyfully, quickly, march on your way. Although rough and thorny it may be, how can you loiter? Does not your heart feel lighter while you take step after step? Cannot your tongue also chant in concert, “Worthy is the Lamb; for he died to redeem us from this world of care?”

Have you so long borne burdens that in your march you are growing weary and faint by the way? Oh! put forth every energy in your power to keep up. Eat of the bread of life, drink of the water of life, and you shall be revived. Work heroically, struggle manfully. There is no promise to those that faint by the way. Such can never gain an entrance, and share in the reward of the faithful.

Lift up your heads. Look up and rejoice. Soon, yes, very soon, we, if faithful, shall shout, Glory, glory, on those long-sought banks of deliverance.

ANGELIA J. EDMUNDS.

Johnstown, Mich.