p. 134 | This Life by A. S. Nason

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 8, 1872

This Life.

By A. S. Nason

IF this life were all, if we could look to no blissful hereafter, then indeed might we droop in despair. The lot of all here is mixed with suffering and sorrow. There is no brow that does not wear its crown of thorns. Sickness and death will take up their abode in the fairest homes, and the cold clouds of the valley ofttimes hide from us our dearest treasures. What consolation is there for the stricken mourner if no ray of hope pierces the darkness of the tomb? If he has no faith in Him who has said, “I am the resurrection and the life”?

There is nothing in all the wide world on which the tempest-tossed soul can rest but the religion of Jesus. Ask the man whose locks are white with age, who has toiled all his life long for gold, if his riches yield him satisfaction, and he will tell you, No.

And yet though religion is all that can really benefit any, how lightly is it esteemed. The world! the world! is the cry of nearly all. Give me this first and perhaps afterwards I will attend to eternal things. Oh, fatal mistake! How many will rush on in striving to gratify pride and ambition until it is too late to be saved.

I feel deeply for those who are held in bondage by the power of Satan. I know what it is to be bound by his terrible fetters. I have felt the wretchedness and despair that comes of serving this arch foe, and only the power of Jesus was able to snatch me from the pit into which I had fallen. Oh! let my mouth be filled with praise, that I have been enabled to obtain so great salvation.

Why was such matchless love extended to one so unworthy as I? Shall I ever murmur after all the Lord has done for me? Shall my poor heart sink in despondency while eternal life is before me?

If those of us who are striving to follow the Saviour could realize the glorious future so soon to be unfolded to our view, we should never be dismayed when storms arise. But in the strife and perplexity of daily cares we often lose sight of our heavenly Guide, and then doubts and darkness fill our minds. But thanks be to God, the struggle cannot last much longer. Let us each gird on the armor anew, and fight earnestly for ourselves and for those who are perishing around us. Some few may be gathered through our influence, and if one soul be saved through our efforts, it will repay a lifetime of suffering here. Let us hasten; we have no time for resting. It is labor, earnest labor that will keep our armor bright. “Ye fearful souls, fresh courage take.” Soon, if faithful, we shall be crowned victorious in the city of our God.

A. S. NASON.

Lynn, Mass.