A Comforting Promise by Delia A. Eddy

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 22, 1864

A Comforting Promise.

By Delia A. Eddy

Here we are on the verge of the perils of the last days. A few more conflicts and all will be over. A few more struggles between the flesh and the spirit, and the dividing line which separates the righteous and the wicked of Adam's race, will be finished, the last hours of probation passed, the goal reached, and the doom of every individual of a fallen race sealed forever. This being the case, the people of God, who understand these things, should be making all preparations to bid a final adieu to a sinful world, which has afforded them a sort of home for the time being. They should be constantly absorbed in the theme of the coming of our glorious Redeemer. They should cut loose from the world and be fully awake. We must study the word of God more diligently, seek more earnestly the guidance of his Holy Spirit; for without their aid we know nothing, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. We must examine ourselves and prove our own selves by them. "Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" See 2 Cor. xiii, 5. "Examine me, O Lord, and prove me. Try my reins and my heart." Isa. xxvi, 2.

Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest, says Jesus. Although this language is particularly addressed to the convicted sinner, we can avail ourselves of it. Do we not labor and strive, watch and pray? Are we not sorely pressed by the powers of darkness? Do we not feel burdened many times? If so, Jesus says to us, Come to me. Oh what a comforting promise. We have now reached the place where we find ourselves poor, and blind, and needy; in the greatest need of effectual and immediate aid. Now what shall we do? Shall we cry mightily to God? Yes. But how? In our own strength? No; thank the Lord, a most precious promise here meets our case: "The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him; he will also hear their cry and will save them." Ps. cxlv, 18, 19.

What abundant reason we have to thank God for these blessed promises, so particularly recorded in the sacred Bible. Let every one that hath ears to hear attend to it; for surely no man ever spoke as did our Lord on this occasion. Let us fix our minds in a posture of humble attention, that we may receive instruction from his mouth. He opened it with blessings, repeated and most important blessings. But on whom are they bestowed? Upon the meek and the humble, the penitent and the merciful, the peaceful and the pure; those that hunger and thirst after righteousness, those that labor, but faint not under persecution. May our souls share in those blessings that the Son of God came to procure for us. May we obtain mercy of the Lord. May we be owned as his children, enjoy his presence, and inherit his kingdom.

With these hopes and enjoyments, let us cheerfully welcome the lowest and the most painful circumstances. O, my brethren, is there not reason for us to lament that we have no more of those amiable virtues, such as humility, meekness, patience, longsuffering, forbearing one with another, this universal goodness which becomes us as we sustain the character of the salt of the earth and the light of the world? Oh that God would pour out the divine oil into our lamps. Then shall the flames brighten, and the glory shine forth, and multitudes be awakened by the luster of it to glorify our Father which is in Heaven.

It is our privilege, brethren, to let our light shine. Oh may God bestow upon us his great wisdom, that we may learn how to let our light so shine that the world may see our good works, and glorify our Father in Heaven. And as the world is growing in wickedness, let us, who profess the worthy name of Jesus, grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Let us put on the whole armor of God that we may fight the foe and wear the crown of life.

Delia A. Eddy.

West Genesee, Alleghany Co., N. Y.