Waiting for Feeling by Hamilton

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Aug 1, 1878

Waiting for Feeling.

By Hamilton

WHILST you cannot feel too keenly, do not wait for feeling. No sorrow for the past can be too poignant; but do not wait for that sorrow. If the prodigal had not arisen till he was satisfied with his own repentance, he would have died in the far country. The tears which do not flow from the gaunt eyes of famine will come unbidden at the feast of fat things; and the fountains of the great deep, which freeze in the winter of remoteness and estrangement, will break up and brim over in the sunshine of mercy. The word which you take, be it what it may—"Father, I have sinned, and am no more worthy to be called thy son;" "Take away mine iniquity, and receive me graciously"—whatever the word may be, let it be a true one, and swifter than you return will be the footsteps of forthcoming pardon; and great as may be your own joy in receiving and restoring grace, no less will be the joy in heaven over your repentance.—Hamilton.