J. H. DURLAND by J. H. Durland

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 18, 1875

J. H. DURLAND

By J. H. Durland

Patience.

“Here is the patience of the saints.” Rev. 14:12. We believe the above language applies to a people living in the last days. We find, then, that this people must have a Christian grace called patience; and we inquire, What is patience? The definition is, “Calmness of spirit under trials, constancy in labor, or exertion” (Webster), and the word of God does not contradict this definition.

The period of the third angel’s message is a time of patience with the people of God. Paul says on this subject, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Then patience is necessary in order to receive the promise. James says, “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.” James 5:7. Why do we sometimes become discouraged and grow cold in the cause of truth? Is it not because we lack patience? I have known some to embrace present truth under the third angel’s message, accept all the reforms connected with it, and work energetically in the cause. I have seen these grow indifferent, and have heard them say that this part of the reform or that part of the truth was not essential to salvation, and that they could have much more influence among their neighbors if they would discard it. I have watched their progress in Christian life. They were among those who always bore stirring testimonies in the conference meetings in former times, but as soon as they began to conform to the ways of the world, the scene changed. Their testimonies were cold, and often they attended meeting without giving in a testimony. Such persons sleep at their post, instead of watching as the Saviour has commanded. Those whom they thought to influence by deviating from the path of duty mock at the truth they profess, and point them out as examples. Oh! is it not time for us to awake to the requirements of the Master?

In this age of the world, when there are trials and difficulties many, let us not doubt God’s truth, but look at the promises he has given us. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shown toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end; that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Heb. 6:10–12.

When we are tempted to complain, let us look back to Calvary and see the patience manifested by our Saviour. When he was buffeted and spit upon, he prayed the Father to forgive his persecutors. Should not this encourage us to bear the trials of the way, “in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses?” 2 Cor. 6:4. But the Lord assures us, “If any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Fearful words! While some believe to the saving of the soul, others doubt the work of God in the Advent movement, become impatient, cast away their confidence in the way the Lord has led his people, and give up their experience as the work of man or Satan. The apostle continues in behalf of the faithful: “But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” These words are the language of saving faith. Having sufficient evidence that God has led them out from the world, and from a fallen church, to wait for his Son from Heaven, they stand fast. They see the chain of truth, as set forth in the three messages of Rev. 14:6–12, which explain and harmonize the past, give certainty to the present, and light up the glorious future, and they joyfully receive the truth.

J. H. DURLAND

Sigourney, Iowa.