THE WAY OF THE CROSS

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 28, 1901

THE WAY OF THE CROSS.

all, in King's Messenger.

“He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” With the thought of the cross, the heart naturally associates trial, hardship, sorrow, something that hurts, something to be dreaded; and thus we lose sight of its God-intended meaning. Jesus not only “set His face to go to Jerusalem,” so shortly before His death, but His life was one constant “pressing forward” toward it. And why?—To bring a “life more abundant.” Everything that was of the nature of a cross, was only a preparation for a “larger life.” And now the Holy Spirit, who is to “take of the things of Christ, and show them unto us,” leads us step by step in the path trodden by our Lord; for He knows that although these “well-beaten tracks” mark the direct road to sacrifice, they also mark the only way to resurrection, life, and glory.

’Neath the thorns which outward lie, There’s a hidden sweetness; From each sorrow He will bring More of heavenly meetness.

Wouldst thou know the Comforter In that bond the dearest? Ah! the road to Calvary Thou wilt find the nearest.

Fellowship with Christ doth mean Not alone the gladness; “Fellowship in suffering”—aye, Joy e’en in the sadness.

But remember Calvary, With its gloom and sorrow; Just preceded by a span— Resurrection morrow.

First, my heart, Gethsemane, Then to Calvary gladly; For who hath His will laid down Cannot follow sadly.

For “a little while” the cross— Just how long “He knoweth;” And remember “He knows best” How His “love-life” groweth.