Is it Desirable? by D. M. Cannell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 5, 1871

Is it Desirable?

By D. M. Cannell

How much pleasure, how many charms, how much happiness, this poor world does seem sometimes to offer to us when it is presented in its most attractive form. Nothing but the grace of God can enable the human heart to resist it. Children of poverty and of adversity are sometimes inclined to murmur at their lot; but if the word of God be true, and there is a hereafter, they have nothing to regret.

I have seen some of the world, and can realize somewhat the terrible temptations which some have to bear. Take an illustration: Here is a young lady; nature has done much for her in mental ability, in personal attractions. Her parents are wealthy and move in the highest circle; she has all the advantages of education and refinement; her company is sought by all; to parties of pleasure, to places of amusement, she is always invited. How dazzling, how inviting, how promising, the world looks to that soul.

Now in these circumstances, present to her the claims of God’s law, present the truth with all its unpopularity, its crosses, its self-denials and sacrifices, and how much, oh! how much these would mean to her. She must part with her friends; she must give up her amusements; she must, in a large measure, be cut off from the world, and from many, if not all, her flattering prospects. To give these all up and associate with a humble, despised people, to become a gazing stock and by-word, to take reproaches and scorn, a life of sorrow and toil; to do all this for Christ’s sake and for the truth’s sake, who can do it? And who does do it? They are few, exceedingly few, if any. If they do make a start, in a majority of cases they fall under the mighty pressure of circumstances and go back to the world.

When we view this case in the light of the Judgment and of eternity, when we consider the glories of the kingdom of God, the unspeakable joys of immortality, and the unending joys of eternity, we can but ask, Is it desirable to be surrounded by such circumstances as described above? Is it not rather a misfortune, and a thing to be deplored? Place the same individual in humble circumstances, or in poverty, how much easier for her to give up all for the truth! Would not her chances for eternal life be increased? Truly, James says, “Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” James 2: 5. Paul says, “Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” 1 Cor. 1:26. It is not because God does not wish to save them, but the attractions of this world are so strong that but few will break away from them when placed under the circumstances which we have supposed. Yet it is possible to do it. Some have done it, and it can be done again. How great a reward such will have. The more they sacrifice, the more God will love them, and the greater will be their happiness.

Do any young friends read this, whose circumstances are such as I have supposed, I hope they may stop and consider. Life is short, very short. It is full of sorrow; suddenly our cup of happiness may be dashed to the ground. There is nothing certain here. The world can never satisfy the soul. If we, like Solomon, could exhaust all the pleasures of the world, could drink of every cup that promises happiness, could gratify our highest ambition, could gain all that we hoped in the world, yet lose in the end the kingdom of God, we should have to exclaim in the bitterness of our heart, All is vanity and vexation of spirit.

For six thousand years, millions of persons have sought in every manner, and under the most favorable circumstances, to satisfy their souls with the pleasures of this life; but not one, not a single one, has ever succeeded. The favor of God, a clear conscience, a prompt discharge of duty, and a life of usefulness, can only satisfy the soul; here satisfaction may be found full and free. O, come and taste and see that the Lord is good.

And now a word to that young friend who has once known the Lord; has once tasted of the peace and joy there is in serving him, but has fallen into temptation, and gone back to the world. Let me ask you, Do you feel satisfied? Do you feel at ease? Have you found what you expected? After trying it for months and for years, have you not found in your heart an aching void the world can never fill? Are you not like the prodigal, simply feeding upon husks? Remember by-gone days, and return to your Father’s house. Think of the joys to come; think of that meeting on Mount Zion. Others will be there, those with whom you have prayed, and wept, and sung; those with whom you have wandered, hand in hand, through the tangled wood of life, who have known your history, your soul’s wants, your aspirations and trials. How often you have talked of that bright hour of meeting. Can you afford now to give it all up and make your bed with the lost? We pray you, do not do it. Stop before it is too late—before you have taken the fatal step. There is hope for you yet. When you lay this paper down, will you not go away alone, before the Lord, confess your sins and seek him anew? Then there will be joy among the angels in Heaven.

D. M. CANNELL.