p. 758 | Peace and Quietness by William Covert

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Dec 16, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 48.

Peace and Quietness

By William Covert

THERE is a state of mind called peace, to be obtained from God alone. This peace is the fruitage of the Holy Spirit. Gal. 5:22. It is the peace of God passing all understanding (Phil. 4:7), keeping the heart and mind through Christ Jesus. This is the tranquil rest which the upholding power of God gives to the heaven-born soul.

God gives this peace to His children that they may be enabled to stand against the terrific assaults of the adversary. In explanation of its work, the prophet said to his Lord, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." Isa. 26:3.

It is the chief aim of Satan to enshroud the children of God in gloom, and thereby encompass their destruction. This peace reaches the soul of man through the channel of faith, which appropriates the promises of God; and these promises, through the Spirit, do the work. When the channel is kept free from doubt, the inflow of the Holy Spirit fills the soul with a victory which carries the day for God.

The obtaining of this peace comes through the medium of resignation to the will of God, and then God works within to do as He wills. The working and the effect of this divine tranquillity is well told in the following language: "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever." Isa. 32:17.

This peace must be made and ratified in the heart of the man by an entire surrender of everything to the divine will. God must have possession of the entire citadel, and be permitted to plant all the banners of victory where the nails will hold fast.

We remember well how the soldiers rejoiced at the close of the war between the

North and South, when the articles of peace were signed and made sure. Wonderful was that peace to them. It was indeed unspeakable and full of glory with a significance that none but those who had an experience in it can know. O, what a load was lifted from their anxious hearts when they knew it was actually done! They shouted and they sang. They embraced one another, and said many complimentary things, to heighten the joy of that day.

But when one really enters into that peace, that wonderful peace, which God has provided from the sorrow of sin, should he not rest from worry, and be tranquil in the holiness of his joy? To have divine peace in the soul is what God desires for each and every one.

WILLIAM COVERT.