THE FORBEARANCE OF GOD.
By A. A. Marks
“AND account that long suffering of our Lord is salvation.” 2 Pet. iii, 15. The question may be asked, What does the Lord suffer? We read in 1 Pet. iii, 20, “The longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah while the ark was preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved,” &c. It appears that the forbearance of God suffered the wicked to pass on unpunished until the righteous could be secure; that although the wickedness of men was great, and the earth was filled with violence, yet God suffered it, and the threatened storm of vengeance was stayed or held in check until a shelter was provided for those who loved and obeyed him. But how has it been since God destroyed that generation for their wickedness? Have the nations of the earth been any wiser? Have they learned to obey God, and live any nearer him? O no! They have killed the prophets, murdered the Saviour, and put to death his followers, until the earth has been drenched with the blood of the righteous, and yet God bears and forbears while his people are preparing to take their places in the closing strife of this world's history. But how slow we are! Year after year has passed away since the warning voice of the third angel has been sounding in our ears; light has been sown for the righteous; the first, second and third messages have brought out light and truth; but amidst it all we have been lukewarm and half-hearted in the work: “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked,” and yet God bears, his long suffering is manifested towards us, and in faithfulness the true Witness is sent to counsel us to be zealous and repent. Dear reader, who will obey the call, and prepare to have a shelter from the storm that is gathering to burst in fury upon the sinners? Will God always bear? O no! See Rev. iii, 16. “I will spue thee out of my mouth,” also Gen. vi, 3. “My Spirit shall not always strive with man.” Already the muttering of distant thunder is heard, and dark clouds are seen to rise and clash against each other. The nations of earth are preparing to take their places in the mighty struggle. The long suffering of God is waiting for us to prepare for the coming of Jesus. May you and I, dear reader, cut loose from the love of this world, and get all ready to stand in the day that is coming; be wise, and be wise for ourselves, is my prayer. A. A. MARKS.
Jackson, Mich.