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Three Watch-Words

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 1, 1875

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 46, No. 1.

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Three Watch-Words.

By A. S. Nason

“THREE watch-words for the struggling soul, These, onward, upward, Heaven.”
The Christian should ever bear in mind that his is an onward, upward course. The pathway that leads up to the shining portals of the New Jerusalem is one of exceeding narrowness. Those who are walking in this narrow way have much to tempt and allure them from the path in which God is leading them. Satan is continually on the watch seeking to beguile the unwary. He points to the enchanted arbors so temptingly arrayed along the way, bidding the weary traveler rest in these vine-clad bowers, well knowing that their subtle fragrance will benumb his senses, and, throw him off his guard, and that then he will become an easy prey to his power.
If the Christian remembers these watch-words, and, never turning his eyes to the right hand or to the left, pursues a straight course, looking unto Jesus, who is the author and finisher of his faith, he will never fall. Satan may present all the arguments that his experience of six thousand years has made him master of, but they will fall powerless upon the believer’s ear. He has had a foretaste of Heaven. In imagination he has passed through the pearly gates and beheld the matchless splendor of the city of God. The voice of Jesus has thrilled his soul like divine music, and the wondrous beauty of his face has enraptured his senses.
It is the privilege of every Christian to obtain a rich experience in the things of God. Salvation is full and free for those who seek it with an undivided heart. There are some professed followers of Christ who never seem to rise above the earth in spiritual attainments. They go hungering for the bread of life, sad and distressed. They do not look up to the cloud of light above their heads. They do not listen to catch the whisperings of the angels, so full of hope and consolation, and wearily they toil on in darkness. This need not be. If they would continually draw strength from the Living Vine, they would mount up on wings as eagles. Forgetting those things which are behind they would be continually reaching forward to the glorious prize ahead.
Child of God, you who have been weary and heavy-laden, burdened with a load of care, do you not think Jesus pities you? He marks every throb of the distressed heart. He bids you cast on him your burden. Your frail strength is all too weak to bear it. It is crushing you to earth, shutting away the light of Heaven from the soul. Will you not be entreated to cast your care upon Jesus? He pleads with you in tenderest accents to come and rest in his arms of love. You may struggle on in your own strength, but you will never conquer so. You must yield your will to God, and leave yourself in his hands to fashion you as it pleases him, and then you will triumph over every foe. There is power in divine grace to deliver you from the most fiery trial. It is unbelief that causes you to be enveloped in clouds of darkness. O thou of little faith, take hold of thy Saviour’s arm. He will bear thy sinking form above the billows, and though the roar of the waves may sound in your ears, they will be powerless to harm you, and you can triumphantly sing,
“Jesus is mighty to save.”
Who does not long for perfect victory? It can be obtained—it will be—by those who seek for it as for hidden treasure.
A. S. NASON.
Ipswich, Mass.