Weep for the Living by Mary Martin

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 30, 1871

Weep for the Living.

By Mary Martin

WEEP ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him; but weep sore for him that goeth away. Jer. 22:10. How many of us have felt the chilling presence of death in our homes, and, binding our grief to our hearts, go about life's daily duties because they must be performed. How many have wept till tears would come no longer. The aching hearts that have been carried and the sleepless nights, no one but God has ever known. The world sees the smile on the surface, but not the troubled waters below, and we love to have it so as we clasp our sorrow still closer to our hearts.

God knows it all. Jesus wept; and we may; but there should be a meek submission. Our Father doeth all things well. But while wrapped in our grief for those we cannot recall, or in any way affect their destiny, precious souls around us are perishing. Jesus died for them. Who of us has spent all night in prayer entreating our Father to spare a little longer? Who has wept for hours for the living who are yet in the road that leads to death? Who has gone about his daily toil feeling inexpressible anguish of heart that sinners did not come to Jesus? Very many hear the truth proclaimed, and go away sorrowful, for they have great possessions of wealth, position in society, intellectual endowments, or something that seems to them far too precious to sacrifice for Him who gave his life for us. Who follows these with prayers and tears, in the closet day by day, that the Holy Spirit may still strive in their hearts? Who is careful of all his daily walk and conversation that it shall be such as will recommend the truth to others? Who has been willing to make any sacrifice if but one soul might be brought to Jesus? As I ask myself these questions, and look backward over the brief period since I first sought, and as I trust found, Jesus, how many misspent moments and unprofitable words do I see. The coming day alone may reveal their influence; and though ashamed to say it, I cannot see one sacrifice that has been made purely from love to God and fellow-beings.

What a monster is self! How weak is poor human nature! Oh! that our hungry, yearning hearts may be brought more fully into subjection to God's will, not thinking, weeping, and planning, for self merely, but feeling the worth of souls, and seeking to realize the shortness of time, anxious to do something that may benefit others and glorify God. Then his blessing will surely follow; and if faithful to the end, beauty and bliss untold and unending shall be ours. “Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.” Let us be encouraged, and try to perform every duty.

“Only waiting till earth’s shadows Have a little darker grown, And we hear the gathering angel Say, Your Father calls, Come home.”

MARY MARTIN.

Blakeville, N. H.