HOW LONG? by Eliza H. Morton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 21, 1879

HOW LONG?

By Eliza H. Morton

THE question, “How long, O Lord our Saviour, wilt thou remain away?” has for years been breathed by sad hearts and murmured by trembling lips, with all the earnestness of a prayer. The ages have rolled onward, the signs that mark the promised advent have been fulfilled, and to-day the answer comes to us in unmistakable terms,—Not long. It cannot be long. “The faithful fail from among the children of men,” and all things foreshadow the great event to come.

Not long! A few more years, and then the promised year. A few more days, and then the endless day. A few more clouds, and then eternal sunshine. A few more trials, and then perfect peace. A few more burdens, and then everlasting rest.

Not long! Earth’s sun is rapidly sinking. Long shadows fall o’er hill and vale. Another sun is about to rise—a never-setting sun. Faint gleams of light tinge the horizon—glimmerings of glory from that “hall wherein the one great feast is held which shall end the festivals of time.”

Not long! Blessed thought! Jesus is coming! Home-land draws near! Love, joy, Heaven, and glory are just before us. Let us so live that when the beauty of the dawning of the day is shed over all the earth, we may hear the long-listened-for voice whispering peace and rest to our souls. “Come, Lord Jesus, and come quickly.” ELIZA H. MORTON.