p. 103 | Courage by J. Clarke

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 18, 1859

Courage

By J. Clarke

COURAGE.—Be strong, says the angel to the prophet. God's voice to his people is full of encouragement. He always strengthens, builds up, while Satan's efforts, all are to pull down. Satan says to the saint, Look here at this difficulty, you cannot overcome; it is too much. Then the saint perhaps faints and weeps. Next says the foul enemy, God has not much mercy nor love, or he would not deal so with you, after all your good works. Think how you have sacrificed, and now to have such trials, it is too bad. Then the poor saint (if if does not see the device) falls into despondency,

almost distrusts God, almost murmurs. Thus the spies (except Joshua and Caleb) who went to view the land, got discouraged, distrusted, murmured. Thus did the multitude; and thus their carcasses fell in the wilderness. But said Joshua and Caleb, with courage, We are able to overcome. Be strong, yea, be strong; so they entered Canaan. Thus let the saints of God say, Let us be strong, be courageous, for discouragement is the first step to distrust, and murmurings follow. Comfort ye my people. J. CLARKE.