SELECTIONS | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 28, 1856

SELECTIONS.

Our Saviour's Agony. Luke xxii, 44.

“AND being in an agony he prayed more earnestly.” Let me ask, dear brethren, do we in this scene of manifold temptations in this period of moral darkness on the world, and amid the ten thousand evils to overcome us, do we behold that lovely form of the Man of sorrows in his agony?

Behold him, in faith, bent on the cold ground at night, amid the pensive stillness of Gethsemane, the trembling flesh bathed in blood, sweat and tears, while the willing spirit, ready to go forward at heaven’s command, even unto death—was resisting the awful powers of darkness! What do we hear? Oh, virtues, strong cry, the Son’s obedient voice—methinks I hear the melting accents echoing through Kedron’s vale, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless not my will but thine be done.”

Brethren, this is a glorious example—Jesus did not faint and give up to the enemy after one effort in prayer—for he went away the third time saying the same words—nor did he yield to the cruel power that sought his ruin; but as the conflict grew more severe, and the sorrows of death filled his soul, he prayed more earnestly.

Let us, my dear, tried brethren, learn of Jesus to endure temptation. Are your temptations great? is your present portion one of fiery trials? Remember Gethsemane; follow the footsteps of thy Master; “pray more earnestly” to Him who is able to save thee also from death.

His angels he hath made ministering spirits, to give them strength in the hour of trial. Brethren, may we love and serve him more.