p. 31 | Danger of Backsliding by Mayland J. Pierce

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 9, 1872

Danger of Backsliding.

By Mayland J. Pierce

Who can say that there is no danger of losing strength and going back into the world after they have started for Mt. Zion? Who can say there is no danger of being deceived by the enemy and led to doubt God's holy word? He is a happy man who knows his sins forgiven, but what would be his joy could he also know that he was henceforth free from the bewitching snares of the world and the power of Satan?

But there is something to do besides just taking a step in the pathway to life. I find many hard battles to fight, and many times my feet well-nigh slip, and I fall under the influence of the enemy. But I make one struggle more. I ask divine assistance, and find Him who hath promised, a present help in every time of need. If we repent of our sins and look to Jesus for strength to overcome, it will be given.

He stands knocking at the door of our heart, but it is for us to unbolt the door and let him in. How strange that any should refuse the hand of such a friend. No earthly friend is like him. He will never forsake us in time of trouble except we forsake him and fall into the wickedness of this world.

We have need to watch and pray continually, lest we enter into temptation. I sometimes fear that I shall not be counted worthy of a place in the kingdom, but I have a strong desire and determination to press my way through the darkness, and share at last with God's people in their glorious rest. I desire their prayers, that my faith may not fail.

I wish to say to all who have started in this good cause, Look up! trust in God. If we do our duty faithfully, we shall reap a rich reward in a little while. I want to meet you all in the kingdom.

MAYLAND J. PIERCE.

East Richford, Vt.