Thy Word Is Truth by Ellen E. Walsworth

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 23, 1871

Thy Word Is Truth.

By Ellen E. Walsworth

How precious is God’s word and truth to the hungry soul! There is a living power in it. It is a sure foundation, whereupon we may plant our feet and be safe. As I look back upon my first experience in the things of God, I can say with the poet,

“Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God;”

and the psalmist also, “He brought me out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings.” Although a professor, I was in almost total ignorance of the word of God, when the light of present truth broke in upon my mind. I hailed it with joy; for in it I found something that satisfied my hungry soul. No cross seemed too heavy for me to bear. Truly the yoke is easy and the burden light to the sincere follower of Christ. Oh! how full of love and compassion is his invitation! “Come unto me,” he says, “all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Here, sin-sick soul, is a blessed place of resort from the power of Satan. Oh! for an entire consecration to God, and giving ourselves to him, that he may shelter us in these trying times when Satan is working with all power to deceive if possible the very elect. We are nearing the close of probation, when it requires great faith and endurance to stand against the power of Satan, and not be overcome. The Lord is drawing very near his people to encourage and strengthen us for the closing work, and awake those who are yet asleep. Oh! let us arise with the message, gird on the armor, and prepare for the conflict. As the apostle Paul exhorts us, “Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and run with patience the race set before us.” Although we have been in a backslidden state, the Lord is yet gracious and of tender mercy, and promises that if we will return, he will heal us of all our backslidings, and love us freely. I feel that such promises as these are worth obtaining at any sacrifice.

Why are we not more willing to surrender all to Jesus? become his obedient followers, and win souls to Christ that shall shine to all eternity? May the Lord help each one of us to work while the day lasts; for the night soon cometh wherein no man can work. I feel like setting out anew in this great and good work. The truth looks more beautiful to me than ever, and, like the bud that begins to unfold its beauties to our gaze, so the more I study God’s word, do new truth and beauty present themselves to my mind.

To the wayward and undecided, I would say that the closing scenes of earth are upon us. Signs are fast fulfilling that tell the end is near; and are you fortifying yourselves with the truth in a manner that will enable you to stand amid the perils and conflicts just before us? Are your feet firmly planted upon God’s eternal truth?

Says Joel, “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision; for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” Is it difficult to decide which way to turn? Does the cross seem heavy? the way rough and thorny? O, come to Jesus. Cast all upon him, and he will help you. He is the great burden-bearer. It is easy bearing the cross when our hearts are his. How long halt ye between two opinions? Decide on the side of the Lord and his truth. Why hesitate longer? Time is precious, and we may grieve God’s tender Spirit from us. “The road may be rough, but it cannot be long,” and how rich the reward of the overcomer will be. It is written, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things God hath prepared for those that love him.” Let us all be in earnest. Heaven will be our home if faithful a little while longer; and there,

“’Mid the ransomed throng, ’mid the sea of bliss, ’Mid the holy city’s gorgeousness, ’Mid the verdant plains, ’mid the angels’ cheer, ’Mid the flowers that never of winter bear, Where the conqueror’s song, as it sounds afar, Is wafted on the ambrosial air, ’Mid the endless years we then shall prove The matchless depths of a Saviour’s love.”

In hope of eternal life,

ELLEN E. WALSWORTH.

Jeff. Co., N. Y.