A Renewed Walk Toward Zion
By C. R. Austin
BRO. WHITE: As I have looked over the goodness of God to me, his numberless mercies and blessings that have been so freely bestowed all my life long; and especially his love that has been manifested in causing the glorious light of present truth to shine upon my unworthy heart,—a truth that will fill every heart that receives it in the love of it with love to God and his word, and increase our faith in his precious promises, and strengthen our zeal and courage to labor with increased faithfulness for our own salvation and the salvation of those around us,—I have been astonished that my steps have been so slow toward Mt. Zion. And if I had nothing but my own strength to depend upon, to help me along the heavenly way, I should despair of ever reaching the city of the living God. But when I think of what Jesus has done for us, of his faithful admonitions and earnest counsels, of his long suffering and patience, waiting for us to get his lovely principles engraved in our hearts, and to form a character all like his own; and then realize that to-day he stands before his Father's mercy seat, pleading the merits of his own blood for guilty sinners, saying to his Father, Forgive them for my sake; and to us "Be zealous and reform," I feel like saying, The Lord will help and I must gird on the armor anew, and walk faster in the narrow way. I want to be baptized anew with the Holy Spirit, and have the constant language of my heart be, "Nearer my God to thee," and be so sanctified through the truth, that all I do, or say, shall be for the glory of God. Truly it is a solemn time that we are in. Death is all about us hurrying mortals to the tomb; and those that remain instead of their being warned by the signs of the times, and all the distress and woe in the land, and turning to the Lord to obey him, seem to plunge still deeper in sin, and hurry to fill up their cup of iniquity, and soon it will be full; and oh! what a doom awaits this generation! Surely all that have faith in God and his word, should be using all the energies they possess in efforts for the salvation of those around them. And while our hearts ache as we see the awful destruction that will soon overtake this wicked world, and we fear that many of our acquaintances will be swallowed up in the ruin, still we are glad that God has given us an existence on the earth groaning under the curse, with an opportunity to secure a home in the earth made new, where there will be no more curse, and that we have a place here in this generation where with the night that shall cover an ungodly world, will come that morning all bright with glory for God's children—that morning that begins a never-ending day, a day that will bring no tears or sorrow, no pain or anguish, and where the feet of none of the inhabitants will ever be taken in the snare of the wicked one; but they shall be forever free from the tempter's wiles, and the poisonous breath of evil men. And nothing shall hinder them from rendering an acceptable service to him, who created them intelligent beings, and gave himself a ransom for them that he might redeem them from all iniquity. Can we not, for a home in that world of glory, turn our feet away from earth's follies, and sins, to the testimonies of the Lord, that are sure making wise the simple, and keep the law of the Lord which is perfect converting the soul, and his commandment that is pure enlightening the eyes, and his statutes that are right rejoicing the heart? "The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honey comb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned and in keeping of them there is great reward." May the Lord hasten on that glad morning, and help us to hasten our preparation for it, is my prayer.
C. R. AUSTIN.