Why Should I be afraid?
By Mary F. Maxson
"FATHER is near, and why should I be afraid?" said a sweet little child. "He will take care of me. Nothing can harm me while he is near." Precious child! Its words are those of every true child of God. Amidst all the dangers, sorrows and conflicts which attend their pilgrimage, they feel that they have a Father, an almighty Father and friend by their side—one that is with them in every danger, every trial and sorrow. Though at times his chastening hand is laid heavily upon them, yet they can bow submissively 'neath the rod that's sent in love, and say, "It is the Lord, let him do as seemeth him good." Why should I be afraid? God is my Father. I will fear no evil. Many are the trials and afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. Their feet are planted upon the rock of divine truth and love, and though the rude billows of life rush madly against them, endeavoring in their fury to sweep them into the yawning gulf below, yet with their eyes fixed upon God, their hand clasped in his, they can exultingly say, Why should I be afraid? The Lord is my strength and my helper, I shall not be greatly moved. There are times when God's face is hidden from his children; when his smile, which "is the light of their soul," is withdrawn, and they walk in darkness. But though they mourn the absence of their loved one, yet the language of their heart is, Why should I be afraid? My Father is near. He only hides his face to try my patience and faith, or to more fully show me my utter unworthiness, and bring me with deeper humility at his feet. And faith pierces through the dark clouds, and sees the glimmering rays of light beyond; and it hears above the roaring thunders the voice of Jesus—that voice so low and sweet, that amid the loud tempest is inaudible to all save the ear of faith—saying, Fear not, I am with thee; I will lead thee through the darkness. Thou art mine. O happy child of God! Thou art blest, supremely blest. Thou hast nothing to make thee afraid. If it is the will of God that thou shouldst sleep, thou canst triumphantly say, Why should I be afraid? My God is near, —I fear not the tomb,
Since Jesus hath lain there, I dread not its gloom;
There sweet be my rest till he bid me arise,
To hail him in triumph descending the skies. O Christian friends, why should we be afraid? What though the heavens shall soon pass away, and the earth with the works therein be burned up, God will hide his children in the chambers of his love. And though the mountains shall fall, the islands flee away, and the elements melt with a fervent heat, yet they will be secure. But oh, poor sinner! you have great reason to be afraid. What shall shield you in that terrible day from the wrath of Him whose love you have slighted! whose counsels you have rejected! whose commandments you have set at naught? Vainly then will you call upon God for help. The angel of mercy which is now hovering over you, will then have folded his wings, and forever flown away. Shall your first earnest, heartfelt prayer be, "Rocks and mountains fall upon us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb?" Remember that "the still small voice" will not then whisper words of comfort to your breaking heart. Oh, no! The only answer you will then receive will be the echo of your own words, ringing through the clefts and chasms of the ruined earth, laughing at your calamity, and mocking your despair. Oh, come to Jesus! Come before it is too late. I entreat you, in the name of my Master, to hearken to the voice of love and mercy that is calling you. How can you slight the tender mercies of Jesus? How can you go on in open rebellion against him whose name is love? Does not the image of one crowned with thorns, pale with anguish, bleeding and dying, follow you by night and by day? That precious hand, that was nailed to Calvary's cross, is knocking at the door of your heart. Do you not hear the sweetest voice that ever fell on mortal ear, saying to you, "Behold I stand at the door and knock." Will you let him knock in vain? Will you? Oh hasten to open the door, and let the heavenly stranger in. He comes to cheer, to bless, to comfort, and to save. He comes to make you live, that he may crown your life with joy, and make it a blessing; that he may shield you in the day of his wrath, and finally save you in his kingdom. Can you, will you reject this precious friend? Oh! would to God that I could do something to lead you to Jesus. But I can only entreat you in his name to come and drink of the waters of life, which are flowing freely for every thirsty soul. May God help you to come. And may he help us all to live in such a manner, that when that dreadful day shall come, we can say, God is my Father. He will take care of me; and why should I be afraid? MARY F. MAXSON.