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BE PATIENT

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 12, 1856

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 8, No. 7.

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BE PATIENT.

By A. S. Hutchins

THERE is something peculiarly sweet and precious to my heart, in the expression, "Here is the patience of the saints." Whenever this part of the third Message of Rev. xiv, is spoken of and dwelt upon by the remnant, I find the resolution settling and strengthening in my mind, I will try by the grace of God assisting, in all things, to manifest the patience of the saints.
If I do this, I understand that whatever afflictive dispensation I am called to pass through, I shall never murmur nor complain, but quietly and meekly submit with the abiding confidence, my heavenly Parent knows best what is for my good. And that he will not suffer me to be afflicted more than what is necessary for the salvation of my soul.
Brethren, we have need of patience. God has manifested great and continued patience towards us, and we must be patient with each other; for this is the only way we can help one another to persevere in the way to the kingdom. We must be patient with our friends and neighbors. We have need of great patience with our enemies. If we do not have this virtue in lively exercise towards those who hate the truth, and oppose us, they get the victory over us, and rejoice over us, by reason of which the blessed cause of truth will be brought into disrepute. But if we are patient, victory, sweet victory turns on the side of truth, and our enemies are disappointed and put to silence. We have need of patience with the horse and ox that wait upon us so carefully and repeatedly. Dear reader, don't get out of patience with the beasts of the field. Speak kindly to them and use them as you should. Remember these are the gift of God. We say that wherever you are, Be Patient. Be patient in all circumstances.
Impatience you will find to be very inconvenient at all times. No one can hold sweet communion with God in prayer, while in an impatient frame of mind, nor grow in grace, nor help spread the last solemn Message of mercy. Whatever then may be your trials and conflicts, "let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
A. S. HUTCHINS.