Let the Weak Be Strong.
By Mary Martin
It seems to me if any had ever doubted the truthfulness of our positions, that the constantly accumulating evidences in their favor would banish all such doubts. God has come very near to the nations in judgments, and to his people in pointing out their sins, yet how few of us have fully heeded the warnings. If the verdant fields of the new earth could be discerned by mortal eyes, this world with its allurements would fail to hold our affections for a moment; yet it is just as real, and soon to be revealed, and this mortal put on immortality. It almost seems as if some desired first to seek earthly enjoyment, its honor and applause, or its outward adorning, and then, if it could be done, obtain the kingdom of God; but it will never be secured only by those who seek it first, knowing all other things will be added as they have need. Some of the young plead ambition, a desire to be something in the world, or a love for the beautiful, as excuse for following foolish fashions. What honor so exalted as that which comes from God? I too have ambition—nothing short of a crown and to awake in Christ’s likeness will satisfy me. Love of the beautiful! Ah! yes; but the artistic arrangement of colors for personal adorning, the artificial of so many kinds, will soon be food for flames. The delicate tints of sunset, the lily’s spotless purity, the rosebud’s perfect beauty, all tell us, God gave this heart hunger for the beautiful; and if circumstances are such it can not be fully gratified here, in that bright homeland of the soul will be given to each all they have capacity to enjoy. Flames can never destroy, summer’s heat scorch, or winter’s frost chill. Some, growing discouraged, say, “I know this is the truth, But I am often overcome, and the way is so difficult, it is of no use for me to try.” Dear disheartened one, what if Jesus in Gethsemane’s garden had said, I can never drink of the cup. What if on Calvary’s mountain he had refused to die that fearful death! Would his triumph over Satan in the wilderness have purchased redemption for lost man? Oh! no. Neither will our former struggles and triumphs avail anything if we lay the armor down now. Think for a moment how near we are to those pearly gates, and who can rest satisfied without a passport through into the city of God? There are but a few more days for tears to be shed, and tried hearts to be true, ere victory shall crown the well-fought battle, and sweet release and rest follow the constant struggle to keep free from influences that would bind us to earth. And, “The pilgrim layeth his sandals down
For the victor’s palm and conqueror’s crown.” Then “say to the weak, be strong;” and to all, “lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh.” Beautiful rest—to be weary no more,
Beautiful calm where billows ne’er roar,
Beautiful home ’mid Eden-like bloom,
Will it be ours when Jesus shall come?