Thy Kingdom Come by Wm. Covert

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 19, 1873

“Thy Kingdom Come.”

By Wm. Covert

WHEN we survey the evidences of the nearness of the second coming of Christ, a thrill of joy runs through our hearts, and our spirits respond, “Even so, come Lord Jesus.” Every full believer in the third angel’s message will rejoice in the prospect that is now looming up before us. Oh! that “sweet by-and-by!”

“My longing heart cries out, O, come, Creation groans for thee.”

Why should we not glory in the shortness of time? for there is nothing in this world that will pay us for staying away from Jesus, unless it is to honor the government of Heaven by warning poor sinners to flee from the wrath of God that is gathering over this earth of ours.

Brethren and sisters, can we not hasten the time by an earnest, universal pushing forward in this last message of mercy? Do not say that we are not ready for the test, for this is the very means provided by the Lord to help us to get ready. If all should commence in full earnest to work for the salvation of souls, there would then go up to God an unbroken petition, “Thy kingdom come.” The reason that we are not ready is because our hearts are with our treasures of this world; and if these treasures are not transferred as the interest of the cause demands, they will either be taken from us, or else we will be left to perish with them.

I cannot see why any should linger around the things of this world. Solomon tried everything in which the imagination of the wisest man could expect to find enjoyment, and his testimony is that “all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” We have cut loose from the pleasures of this world. And we have no assurance that our dearest earthly friends will be spared to comfort us for a day. Our fondest hopes wither just as they seem to be blooming into fragrance. Then why not work in order to end the long delay? work in the interest of our Master? work in the interest of our own eternal happiness? Oh! I do feel so very glad that this age of sin and misery, of pain, suffering, and sorrow, is so nearly ended. Soon we will stand on Mount Zion. Soon we will see Jesus and the holy angels. Soon we will meet the blood-washed throng. Thanks be to God, they will arise in blooming, youthful, immortal beauty. No pale faces nor fevered brows will be there. All will be perfect as when the morning stars first sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy, and will remain so as long as the ages of eternity roll. Shall we gather there?

Wm. COVERT.

Tipton Co., Ind.