p. 42 | THE DIFFERENCE by Vesta Cary

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 8, 1877

THE DIFFERENCE.

By Vesta Cary

The difference in what? Why, in this life and that which is to come. Here, all is toil and sorrow; there, rest and joy. Here, meeting and parting; there, meet to part no more. Here, sickness and death; no pain there, neither sorrow nor crying. Here, hope’s alluring strains lead us on to sure disappointment; no blasted hopes or broken hearts there.

Wonderful love! Can we ever cease to look with wonder and deepest gratitude, on a plan whereby sinful man may, if he will, be exalted to the right hand of God, there to behold scenes of unspeakable glory, and live with the holy, the good, and true, through endless ages? Here we may be called to lay aside the pleasures of life, to sacrifice our ease and comfort; but our Father takes these sinful pleasures from us, only to give us better ones in their place. Many are toiling in the cause of present truth, and sometimes feel discouragement weigh down their minds, because more do not see the clear light of truth and embrace it. But God knows their labors; it is all written before him, and if faithful they will not lose their reward.

Courage, worn pilgrim; the prize is nearing. Soon the last victory will be won, and the saints have an eternal and sure reward. Then as we think of our weary pilgrimage on this earth, methinks each one will exclaim from his inmost soul, Heaven is cheap enough. Jesus has left on record for all who would be his followers, an example of sacrifice and disinterested benevolence, which is, and ever will be, without a parallel. He did not come to this world to live a life of pleasure, enjoy the luxuries of life, or to be waited on by his disciples; but to be a servant, to minister to the comfort and happiness of others, and even to give up his life a ransom for many.

We see him by the clear lake, upon the lofty mountain, in the lonely desert, by the fruitful field, ever leading the minds of his followers from nature up to nature’s God, ever trying to elevate, and lead the human mind to the contemplation of the good, the beautiful, and pure.

Oh! that we might have more of the spirit of the Master, more devotion to his cause, and then our trials will not look so large, and the way so long; and while our hearts cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus,” still we shall not be impatient, but willing to wait as long as he sees fit.

Love will make the labor light; and when the Master comes, if faithful, we shall realize the difference between this life, and that which is to come. VESTA CARY.

Poysippi, Wis.