p. 4 | OUR COMING LORD by Mrs. I. B. Stillwagon

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 17, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 38.

OUR COMING LORD.

By Mrs. I. B. Stillwagon

“Be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of Man cometh.”

We are nearing the end not only of our natural lives, but also of the world's history. We are at the outer door of our eternal home, soon to enter and be forever with the Lord. Soon we shall see the King in His beauty. How the blessed thought should stir our hearts to renewed diligence. This means consecration to Christ, in which there is no half-way work.

God cares very little for anything we may do for Him if we have not first obeyed all His commands and made a full surrender of our hearts to Him, tho we are told that He will reward even a cup of cold water given in His name.

St. Paul exhorts us to present our bodies a living sacrifice to God, which is but reasonable service. It is often much easier to do some pleasant and helpful work for the poor or the church than it is to yield our stubborn wills, and bow our hearts to Him; but God requires us to lay all upon the sacrificial altar; then just as soon as we yield ourselves to the influence of the Holy Spirit, He gives us the sweet assurance that we are accepted in Him, and we are filled with a peace and joy the world knows not of, the beacon light of faith and hope illuminating our hearts and guiding us through the storms and darkness of life.

Then let us walk in the light, not turning aside to follow the follies and fashions of the world. Let us not be given to unkind criticism of our neighbors' shortcomings, but in love and Christian charity bear with one another. There are slanders and backbitings on every hand, even among those who call themselves Christians. Let it not be the same with His true disciples, who have put on the whole armor of Christ; for if our hearts are filled with His love there will be no room for selfish or evil thoughts. We are not our own, but have been bought by the precious blood of Christ.

It is not always easy to love our enemies; but it is Godlike to do so; it is the love that our Lord showed toward us; for while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, that He might bring us to God. We are His epistles, “known and read of all men,” our conduct will either retard or advance His kingdom on the earth; therefore we should rightly measure our influence upon others, and strive to live with a conscience void of offense toward all, and thus be ready for the sound of the trump of God and the glorious appearing of the heavenly host.

His coming means to us life and immortality instead of sickness, sorrow, and death. It means reunion with loved ones gone before. It means hearing for the deaf, speech for the dumb. It means sweet rest for the burdened ones. Yea, it means peace and joy for the redeemed forevermore. Then we shall enter into our everlasting inheritance, and be like our Lord, for we shall see Him as He is.

Then, dear reader, let us arise and put on the beautiful garments of salvation, having our lamps constantly trimmed and brightly burning; for we know not how soon our Lord will come; whether He will come at evening, or at cock-crowing, or at noonday; for He has commanded us to watch, lest He, coming suddenly, find us sleeping.

MRS. I. B. STILLWAGON.

Tres Pinos, Cal.