The Old, Old Story by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 17, 1903

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 80, No. 50.

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The Old, Old Story

By Editor

Editorial

“The Old, Old Story”

The gospel is the story of love, infinite and eternal love.

“O, ’twas love, ’twas wondrous love! The love of God to me! It brought my Saviour from above, To die on Calvary.”

There is no modern method of teaching the gospel which can take the place of the simple telling of “the old, old story of Jesus and his love” by one who has really experienced that love in his own heart.

“’Tis known on earth and heaven too, ’Tis sweet to me because ’tis true; The ‘old, old story’ is ever new; Tell me more about Jesus.”

There are no words in the Bible more wonderful than those which tell of the love of God to us. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us!” “We have known and believed the love that God hath to us.” “I have loved thee with an everlasting love.”

“Wondrous words, how rich in blessing! Deeper than th’ unfathomed sea, Broader than its world of waters, Boundless, infinite, and free. Higher than the heavens above Is thine everlasting love.”

The experience of the gospel is found in the fellowship of this wondrous love. It is the Lord’s purpose for us that we “may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.” In the assurance of that love we may rest with confidence. In the light of that love we may walk with certainty even in the midst of darkness. In the joy of that love we may rejoice in the midst of trial.

“Thou, blessed Son of God, Hast bought me with thy blood, Jesus, my Lord! O, how great is thy love, All other loves above, Love that I daily prove, Jesus, my Lord!”

“Quit You Like Men”

If there ever was a time when the people of God needed to be on the alert, quick to discern the devices of the enemy, and whole hearted in the service of the divine Leader, it is now. We have reached the closing years of the great controversy, and the prince of this world will now put forth his mightiest efforts to ensnare the unwary, and to carry them down to destruction in the impending overthrow of Satan and his hosts. There are definite plans and an intelligent organization of forces on the part of the great rebel leader, and the Captain of the Lord’s host desires to have his people organized in one united company for the final conflict. Did you notice the following paragraph in the article by Sister White in the REVIEW of November 26? “But the church must still fight against seen and unseen foes. Satanic agencies in human form are on the ground. Men have confederated to oppose the Lord of hosts. These confederacies will continue until Christ shall leave his place of intercession before the mercy seat, and shall put on the garments of vengeance. Satanic agencies are in every city, busily organizing into parties those opposed to the law of God. Professed saints and avowed unbelievers take their stand with these parties. This is no time for the people of God to be weaklings. We can not afford to be off our guard for one moment.” There will be no excuse for any one who is found asleep at such a time as this, when such stirring warnings have been given. Over and over again the Lord is calling upon every believer to be fully awake to the meaning of present events, to put on the whole armor of God that he may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, and to fight the good fight of faith. There need be no weaklings when it is the privilege of each one to be “strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” With great force come the words of exhortation to us now: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”

“A Very Present Help”

How many of God’s saints have been comforted in times of distress by remembering and resting upon the blessed assurances which inspiration has put into the mouth of the psalmist: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. . . . The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” This is a world of trouble. Sickness and death, distress and anguish, are on every hand. Determined rebellion against God and a more decided refusal to walk in his ways are increasing the trouble in the earth. It often happens that the wicked by their unrighteous course bring trouble upon those who are loyal to God and his truth. But in all these experiences those who are acquainted with God have “a very present help in trouble.” “But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” The Lord has undertaken our case, and has pledged himself as our mighty Helper. “Let us trust fully, humbly, unselfishly in God. We are his little children, and thus he deals with us. When we draw near to him, he mercifully preserves us from the assaults of the enemy. Never will he betray one who trusts in him as a child trusts its parents. He sees the humble, trusting souls drawing near to him, and in pity and love he draws near to them, and lifts up for them a standard against the enemy.” “O Israel, trust thou in the Lord: he is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield. Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.” “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.”

“God is the refuge of his saints When storms of sharp distress invade: Ere we can offer our complaints, Behold him present with his aid.”