Our Hope by A. S. Hutchins

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 2, 1864

Our Hope.

By A. S. Hutchins

BRO. WHITE : I feel that my heart is still fixed to go with the people of God. The hope of eternal life in the soon coming kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, has for about twelve years been my support, my comfort, my all. Take this away, and what is left? Naught but a shadow, a bubble, a delusive charm.

But with the blessed hope warming, expanding and elevating the heart and affections to heaven and heavenly things, we can well endure the toils, trials and conflicts of life, knowing that the warfare will soon be over, and the glorious reward of victory and immortality be gained.

Shall we then faint and falter and dread the fierce struggle before us? Shall we sink and walk the way of life no more though others fall around us? What though others prefer darkness to light, or dross to the pure gold? Must and shall this too be our choice? No! never; for the Lord will surely reject those that reject him. “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” 1 Sam. xv, 23.

Let us then “lay hold on eternal life.” Let us run into the name of the Lord, for it is “a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” “In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence; and his children shall have a place of refuge.” “The fear of the Lord tendeth to life; and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.” Prov. xix, 23. Oh, precious promise, priceless consolation!

The great day of wrath hastens on, and who shall be able to stand, when it breaks forth in fury upon the shelterless heads of the ungodly? “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.” Prov. viii, 13

Let then a holy, filial, reverential fear of God fill my heart, let it mould every thought and action. Let not this principle depart from us for one moment, and all will be well. All will be peace, joy and uninterrupted bliss, though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, “though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof;” for God is our refuge and strength.

“Hark, the Eternal rends the sky! A mighty voice before him goes, A voice of music to his friends; But threatening thunder to his foes; ‘Come, children, to your Father’s arms; Hide in the chambers of my grace, Till the fierce storm be over-flown, And my revenging fury cease.’” A. S. HUTCHINS. Wolcott, Vt. Jan. 20, 1864.