KEEP DOING by Martha D. Byington

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 16, 1860

KEEP DOING.

By Martha D. Byington

I ONCE heard a venerable and aged Christian say, "If we would avoid trials, we must keep doing." The remark was a good one, and since then I have often proved it a safeguard in seasons of danger. We may shun many of the wily snares of our latent foe by diligence and activity in the work of salvation. Indifference does not have a place in the heart of a Christian. Though our faith be tested and proved in our onward progress, yet this only spurs us to still nobler action; and we may attain to degrees of usefulness and true holiness, if we hope, believe and wait, and bear the cross, though like the Saviour we faint beneath the load, trusting those exceeding great and precious promises which are unmovable as the throne of God, standing replete in all the Christian armor, praying always with all prayer, and watching thereunto with all perseverance; having in our hearts the fruits and graces of the Holy Spirit, forgiving, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven us, doing good to them that hate us, cherishing that charity that beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things, ever rejoicing in the truth.

Here is a lifetime of employment, and none will more than attain to the length and breadth, height and depth of the love of Christ. In thus acting for God, we shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of God.

There is a sphere of holiness where we may abide the tempests which often close around our way and obscure the light of heaven; where light may reflect from lives of devotedness, and others be led to glorify our Father in heaven. Without this preparation we are exposed to the fearful breezes which will but impede our progress Zionward. But I would with all my heart adopt the sentiment of another, that we press on to that place where heavenly breezes may waft us thither; and though the billows at times roll high, and like David we are led to cry out, "All thy waves and thy billows are gone over me," yet we can say, The Lord will command his loving-kindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer to the God of my life. Thus each tempest only drives us onward toward the shore, and when all our tribulations are endured valiantly, the home of endless rest will open upon our gaze, and we find a place within the portals of the holy city, to go no more out forever.

Then with uplifted eyes I'll turn My wandering steps to yon bright dome, Look up to greet the coming morn, Which brings the weary traveller home.

M. D. BYINGTON.

Battle Creek, Mich.