p. 87 | Patience by W. Pepper

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 7, 1869

Patience.

By W. Pepper

How much is expressed in this one word; for without patience who can hope to gain eternal life? Says the apostle Paul, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” And again, “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

Here, then, we learn that patience is one of the great essentials which should adorn the Christian character. But, alas! I fear there are but few that can say they live a life of “patient continuance in well doing.” We all have our weak points, and here it is that Satan concentrates his power to try our patience. Perhaps, on certain occasions, hasty and foolish expressions rise to our lips. Here let us remember to be patient. Or, perhaps, affairs in the family may take such a turn at times that will try the patience to the uttermost. But as we value eternal life, let not evil passion be once named among us; but let us seek meekly and humbly for an increase and a strengthening of our faith; for we are told that it is the trying of our faith that worketh patience.

Finally, brethren, let us be patient in all things, whether under temptation, persecution, affliction, or whatsoever trials we may be brought to bear, let us bear them as humble followers of Christ, and let patience have her perfect work, that we may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. “In your patience possess ye your souls.” W. PEPPER.