Perseverance by Olive E. McCord

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 13, 1876

FromThe Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 15.

Perseverance.

By Olive E. McCord

This is a virtue that is not always as highly prized as it should be, though to insure success in any undertaking its possession is a positive necessity. In business circles we witness the results of its influence, and those lacking in this particular are soon most surely left behind in the world’s strife for place and power. While this fact is apparent to even the most casual observer, are we to expect a different result when we scan the religious portion of the world? Can we reasonably expect to see those churches or individuals in a prosperous condition that depend for prosperity upon the strength afforded by occasional revivals? Will they set before those who are looking to them for it an example of steady faithfulness? And who can tell the power that lies in a godly life, steadfastly adhered to, regardless of surrounding influences?

My mind has been more particularly directed to this subject of late by such remarks as the following, which have appeared in the columns of the Review, “The members have become discouraged and have ceased to meet together, and some have even given up the observance of the Sabbath.” Now this sounds very strangely to me; not that I have not witnessed coldness among members of the churches now popular, but that those who have listened to the clear arguments of those fully competent to explain the Scriptures, have professed a thorough conviction of the practical necessity of observing the “commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” have covenanted together to walk in newness of life, and have turned of their own accord from the follies of the world to lead lives of self-denial, in honor of the Lord who bought them with his own blood—to read that such have “crucified to themselves the Son of God afresh,” seems sad indeed. The hearts of his followers should be so thoroughly imbued with the love of Jesus, and a desire to honor the commandments which he, by his example, taught us are still binding upon those who profess his name, that their steady, unwavering faith would strike conviction to the hearts of their neighbors and friends.

I have never seen a Sabbath-keeper, and while I can imagine the pleasure it would be to meet with those of the same faith, it still remains my privilege, as each recurring Sabbath is ushered in, to commemorate the wonderful events of creation, and thus honor the God who created and sustains all things through his Son, the Lord of glory. Nearly eight years have thus passed away, and though I may never listen to the voice of the living teacher, I yet have the word of God, which is the life of the soul, and shall I dare to falter while thus continually assured and comforted?

Friends, you who have been labored with by faithful ministers, do not forget that your responsibility is greatly increased thereby, and if you fail, remember the eyes of the world are upon you, nor forget that angels, both good and evil, are watching for your final decision with the most intense interest.

OLIVE E. McCORD. Oregon City, Oregon.