p. 102 | Patience by H. F. Phelps

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 28, 1866

Patience.

By H. F. Phelps

The meaning of this word is, “suffering without discontent.” Patient—“Enduring without murmuring.” The sin of impatience seems to have been looked upon by the apostles as a besetting sin; for we find them exhorting their brethren in strong language against it.

Paul says that if, by patient continuance in well doing, we seek for glory, honor, and immortality, we shall have eternal life. “Rejoicing in hope; patient in (enduring without murmuring) tribulation.” “Now I exhort you brethren, warn them that are unruly; comfort the feeble minded; support the weak; be patient toward all men.” He further says, “The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.”

These words of the inspired apostle seem to have reference to all Christians, in all times, and in all places; but we find a few words occasionally, which seem to have a direct reference to the people of God in these last days: “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ” (margin, Patience of Christ). And James says, “Be patient, therefore, brethren unto the coming of the Lord.” “Be ye also patient, stablish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.”

It would seem from these words that there was danger in the days when the Lord was drawing nigh, that some who should run well for a season might become impatient of his seeming delay, therefore Paul says, “Ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus.” “Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Peter, in naming over the graces that should adorn the Christian character, did not forget that important one—patience: “Add to temperance, patience.” The angel to John says, “Here is the patience of the saints.” We might extend this list; but this will suffice. We see then that there is great importance attached to this one point. It becomes us to be on our watch. Do we feel like becoming fretful about our work? Then look at the word at the head of this article. Do we ever feel to complain of the weather, that it is too cold or too warm, too much rain or not enough? Then let us have “patience.” God sends it all. Do any of us begin to feel that the way is too rough and long? Then be patient; the journey is short. The race is almost run. What though we may have been looking for the Lord these five, ten, or even twenty-five years? Shall our faith begin to grow weak? Shall we begin to say, I must make more provision for this life? Do we feel discouraged? Let us lift up our heads; for redemption is nearer than when we believed. Hear the exhortation of Paul: “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward, ‘for yet a little while and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.’”

He has promised, and that promise is sure, that “unto those that look for him, he will appear without sin unto salvation.” But we shall have to look but a little longer. Jesus’ work as a great high priest, is almost accomplished. Our cases must soon be decided. Prophecy is nearly all fulfilled; and what remains is fast fulfilling. Jesus, the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world, who came to redeem us from the curse, who once said, “I go to prepare a place for you,” will soon come again, that where he is we may be also. Blessed prospect. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, to conceive the things that God hath prepared for those that love him.” Let us take courage, and lift up our heads. We are able to go up and possess that goodly land.

“Though trials may await you, The crown before you lies, Take courage, brother pilgrim, And soon you’ll win the prize.”

H. F. PHELPS.

Pine Island, Minn.