The Blessed Hope by L. E. MILLNE

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 6, 1866

The Blessed Hope.

By L. E. MILLNE

"AND every man that hath this hope in him, purificth himself even as he is pure."

Oh this blessed hope! which we have, who are looking for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour. Does it not cause us to walk softly before the Lord, and to keep our hearts with all diligence to see that all unsightly occupants, such as selfishness, love of the world and the pride of life, are wholly banished, and our hearts made fit temples for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit? Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. How shall we purify our hearts, except we obey the truth, and walk in all the commandments of the Lord blameless? Are we striving from day to day to cultivate all the graces that are in Christ Jesus, that we be not barren nor unfruitful in the Lord?

He that hath this hope purifieth himself even as he is pure. Oh, what a great work have we to do! and how short the time allotted us! What we do must be done quickly; for a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. Oh, the power that Satan is exerting to keep us in ignorance of our real situation in the sight of God! There is no safety in these perilous times, only in living by faith on the Son of God. The Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those that ask, than earthly parents are to give good gifts to their children. How much more we need the Spirit to lead and guide us in the narrow way that leads to life eternal! Oh, let us seek to overcome every fault, that we may be hid in the day of his fierce anger, and be bright and shining lights as we walk in the midst of this perverse generation.

The solemn times in which we live should admonish us to awake, to arouse from the lethargy that Satan is trying to throw around us. We need a daily experience in order to be shielded from the fiery darts of Satan. Oh, what a merciful High Priest have we, who knows all our infirmities, who was tempted in all points like unto us, yet without sin, and is ever ready to hear the cries of his children. Then let us seek to draw nearer the Lord with full assurance of faith knowing that if any lack wisdom he will give liberally and upbraid not. Oh, what exceeding great and precious promises are given unto us, that by these we might become partakers of the divine nature. Let us claim them as ours, and go forward in the strength of the Lord and overcome every error; for the Lord will have a pure people. Let us ever have respect unto the recompense of reward, and endure as seeing Him who is invisible, knowing that in due time we shall reap, if we faint not.

This is our time for labor, but by and by will come rest, sweet rest, for our weary souls. There remaineth a rest for the children of God, and oh how sweet will be that rest to the tired and weary saints. Let us look forward with joy to the time when the lovely Jesus will come with power, and great glory, with all his holy angels to gather his faithful ones; who have endured every test, and have the seal of God in their foreheads.

Oh what a glorious shout there'll be, When we arrive at home, Our friends, and Jesus we shall see, And God will say, well done.

L. E. MILLNE.

Shabbona, Ill.