"Ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." Heb. x, 36.
Upon the subject of patience much is said in the word of God, from which we learn the importance of attentively cultivating this virtue in our hearts, that we may meekly and submissively bear up under, and cheerfully endure, all the trials and afflictions of this life.
Inspiration places patience as one of the stepping stones up to the joyful favor of God; up to the possession of that hope that "maketh not ashamed;" up to the eminent position where the "love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit."
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope. Rom. v, 3, 4. Mark well and bear in mind that tribulation lays on the road to the attainment of patience. Let us then not fear and dread to take the first step leading onward to such a glorious possession.
"Eternal life" is promised "to them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality." Rom. ii, 7. "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us." "In your patience possess ye your souls."
Among other attainments requisite to a fruitful knowledge of Christ Jesus, and to an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom, Peter classes patience. "Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." Jas. i, 4.
But notwithstanding the bearing of these and other scriptures upon this highly interesting subject, it is to be feared that its importance is overlooked and undervalued by many who profess to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
In the preparatory work for the society of the sanctified and saved, for a seat at God's right hand, "the patience of the saints" must be possessed and exercised. "Here is the patience of the saints," says the last angel bearing a message for the salvation of perishing souls. Has this Christian grace yet become a leading characteristic of the remnant church? May the time hasten on when it shall.
The perplexities of life, and the scoffs and jeers of the ungodly, must be borne with Christian resignation and sweet submission. "Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord."
"Stripped of all his worldly possession, deprived at a stroke of all his children, tortured in body with sore disease, tempted by the Devil, harassed by his wife, and calumniated by his friends, he nevertheless held fast his integrity, resigned himself to the divine dispensation, and charged not God foolishly."
Amidst all the sore afflictions and bereavements of life, if we can find grace to maintain undeviating constancy in the service of our divine Master, our light will shine and we as feeble instruments glorify God, and enjoy his peaceful smiles here, and finally his glorious presence in the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord." A. S. HUTCHINS.