p. 9 | OUR COUNSELOR by H. A. St. John

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Mar 13, 1907

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 33, No. 11.

OUR COUNSELOR.

By H. A. St. John

"His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." Isa. 9: 6.

THUS some of the attributes of our Saviour are named in the prophetic word. In this world of multiplied dangers and perplexities, how excellent is an accessible, willing, good, and wise Counselor. We need never to harken to, or walk in, the counsel of the ungodly. Our glorious Redeemer has made ample provision whereby we may have just the counsel we need at all times and in all places. Every means of communication known to man, angels, or the Eternal Father, are known to the Lord Jesus, and will be used by Him to convey the good pleasure of His will to any and all of His children here below; for they only need to know such things as pertain unto life and godliness.

When we pray in true sincerity and submission, "Lord, not my will, but Thine be done, in all things," He will surely find a way to communicate to every such soul a knowledge of His will, and the power to obey.

Are we troubled and burdened with a load of sin? Our Counselor says: "Repent, and thy sins shall be forgiven." Are we conscious of a moral impurity of soul, because of sins committed?—Our Counselor says: "If you confess your sins, God is faithful and just to forgive, and to cleanse from all unrighteousness." Do we feel weary and heavy laden?—Our Counselor says: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Are we anxious about our source of food and raiment supply for the days to come?—Our Counselor says: "Take no anxious thought for the morrow, as to what you shall eat or what you shall wear."

If we tremble at the strength of Satan's temptations, our Counselor says: "They shall not be greater than you can bear, and with every temptation I will make a way for your escape." Do we inquire how we should feel when men revile us, persecute us, and say all manner of evil against us falsely?—Our Counselor says: "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven." Do we ask how we should feel toward our enemies, and how we should treat them?—Our Counselor says: "Love your enemies, and do good for evil as you have opportunity." Are we in sorrow, and feel the need of comfort?—Our Counselor says: "Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted." Are we homeless, and long for earthly inheritance?—Our Counselor says: "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." Do we cry out for wisdom for all the vicissitudes of life?—Our Counselor says: "If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not."

And these are but a few samples of the great multitude, diversity, and helpfulness of the gems of counsel our Counselor has placed at our command. So rich and full are His counsels, that He tells us He will never leave nor forsake us, that we may lead a constantly triumphant life; that no good thing will He withhold from us, that our steps may be ordered of the Lord; that if God's law is in our hearts, we will delight in it, and none of our steps shall slide. To sum up, He says that if we love God, all things shall work together for our good. Truly the path of the just who walk in the counsel of the Lord, is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. And then in the endless, perfect day we will walk in the counsels of infinite power, wisdom, and love, with a sweetness of joy and delight, unspeakable and full of glory. H. A. ST. JOHN.