THE CHRISTIAN'S REST by Vesta J. Cady

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 16, 1877

THE CHRISTIAN'S REST.

By Vesta J. Cady

A FAVORITE theme with the child of God while passing through this world of sin and sorrow is the joy, peace, and rest at the end of the journey. Life is short; and as we look forward just a little, and see looming up in the distance the glory and beauty of our heavenly home, what wonder that earnest longings to be there fill our inmost soul? Here sorrow’s keenest pangs are often felt. Dear friends, kindred spirits, are torn from us and our bleeding hearts feel the void which nothing earthly can ever fill. But joy is brought to the wounded spirit as we think of that land where suffering and sorrow are unknown. We know there will be no tears there, no heart-pangs, no bitter sorrow, no longings for love and sympathy. Such bliss as earth-pilgrims have never known will be ours, and every heart will thrill with holy, sacred joy.

We know that in the world we shall have tribulation, but in Jesus we may have peace. Shall we not take our trials and heart-aches, of whatever nature, to him? And when our tired feet linger, and our steps are slow and faltering, we can look up for help, and forget our weariness in the contemplation of the reward awaiting all the faithful ones. Our Father knows his children will be tired after their long journey, and ample preparation is being made for us to rest. How good it will seem after being in the struggle so long!

Perhaps some have often felt as though they could almost give up. Can you not hear a gentle voice say, “Hold out a little longer; don’t give up.” Our salvation is nearer now than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Jesus is soon coming to take us home. What a beautiful, glorious home it will be! Shall we give it up now, when it is just in sight? Oh! no; we cannot. We want to see for ourselves the things that have been described as so glorious and beautiful. We want to taste the fruits of that country. We want to gather some of its lovely flowers. We want the society of sinless, happy beings. Above all, we want to see Jesus and be made like him. We want to hear that sweet voice say, “Well done.” We want to bow low in adoration before the Lamb of Calvary. We want to hear the words: “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Oh! we must be there. We must not fail. Come, let us seek God earnestly, put away our sins, cut loose from the world, and when the gathering time comes, we shall be there. Vesta J. Cady.