Perseverance by May E. Kelsey

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, Cal. · Jul 1, 1875

Perseverance.

By May E. Kelsey

In this world where disappointment and sorrow seem to be the common lot of mankind, and where our plans are so often thwarted, no trait of character seems more to be desired or sought after than perseverance. It is this that brings success in every enterprise, and without it we fail to secure for ourselves many of the blessings which God has designed for us. This being the case, we will briefly notice for our encouragement a few of the numerous instances of remarkable perseverance and the results thus attained.

Let us first notice a few facts relative to the discovery of this continent by Columbus. After years of investigation and study he became convinced that the world was round, and that by sailing westward land would be discovered. He applied to the king of Portugal for means to carry out his plans, but receiving no encouragement from him, he was forced to turn to other kingdoms for assistance. In vain he offered to add a new world to the dominions of the sovereigns of the old. Saddened, but not discouraged, he found his way from court to court, until at last in the presence of the queen of Spain his request was granted, and he immediately set out on his voyage.

But this was not the end of his troubles. His crew became dissatisfied. The voyage seemed long, and everything continued the same day after day. They began to distrust their commander, and to think that they should never reach the object of their search, and they wished to return and enjoy their homes and the society of the friends they had left behind. This was a trying time for the persevering navigator, but he still encouraged them to continue. And, as the signs of approaching land began to appear, their courage increased, till finally the joyful cry of "land" was heard, and they at last planted their feet on the shores of the new world. Thus it was by persevering effort that the hopes which had animated him for twenty long years were then realized.

Again, we have in the history of our forefathers a remarkable instance of perseverance in that which is right. Having learned a more simple mode of worship than that practiced by the church of England, they determined that they would not bow in submission to its forms and ceremonies. This necessarily placed them in positions of eminent peril and danger. And after enduring persecutions and imprisonment for more than fifty years they fled to, and found relief on the shores of America, and after many unsuccessful attempts, finally succeeded in finding a place where they could worship God "according to the dictates of their own consciences."

Thus we see that perseverance has been a leading characteristic in many of the great reforms and discoveries of past ages. And as we look upon the numerous inventions of the present age, the many kinds of labor-saving machines, and the various objects for which they are used, can we in truth say that these "are but the work of a moment"? Certainly not. One of these has in many instances been the life-work of individuals. To it they have given their whole time and attention, and no sacrifice was too great for them to make that they might be successful in obtaining the object for which they had been laboring.

In this they set a good example which it would do well for all Christians to follow. In the word of God we have the promise of obtaining not any earthly possession nor the glory and honor that is soon to fade away, but we have the promise if faithful of gaining a mansion in the New Jerusalem, and having the honor of of being associated with heavenly beings. Is not this sufficient to inspire us with courage and hope? Do we often feel that the road is long, that everything still continues as it was, and that it would be as well to turn back and enjoy the pleasures of life with our friends? Remember this is the trying time, the waiting, watching time, and, as in the case of Columbus, if we persevere a few day longer we will see the country for which we are journeying, and we will hear the welcome words "enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." What, then, though the way does seem long and temptations beset on every hand for we know that Jesus has promised to come again to give to each a reward for his labors. And as the signs of his approach grow more numerous let us take courage, and not "weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."

May E. Kelsey.