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True Courage

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 8, 1867

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 29, No. 5.

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True Courage.

By Burton S. Barnes

TRUE courage is manifested not only in occupying posts of danger, but what is far greater, in meeting the boundless tide of opposition which is everywhere found opposed to truth and right.
It is no mark of true courage to be led, or even to lead, in paths of safety, neither is it a sign of bravery to pursue a course to popularity and renown, although attended by hardships and trials.
There are two kinds of courage, the one mere physical, as it is called, and the other moral courage.
The former is the unconsciousness of danger, no matter how threatening it may be; the latter a determined purpose to do right, fearless of consequences, and even at the sacrifice of friends. This is the courage every one should have.
It often requires more true courage to do right under certain circumstances, than to face the cannon; and the man who will face the world's opinions and prejudices in doing what he knows to be right, will not only have the approbation of his Maker, but secure to himself eternal life.
The most exalted courage is, therefore, to fear God and keep his commandments, though opposed by a proud and gainsaying world.
That courage which proves our love for our heavenly Father and a willingness to obey his statutes, is the one thing to be desired.
Seeing we look and hope for the soon coming of our Saviour, what courage ought we to have in living out the third angel's message, and especially in keeping the Lord's Sabbath, the great test of moral courage.
The times in which we live demand earnestness, zeal, activity, and courage. We are passing beyond the period in which scoffs and sneers will be the boast of the wicked.
The Bible plainly teaches us that we soon shall be where jests will cease, and mocking tongues hushed to silence. What manner of persons ought we to be? Shall we worship idols when the Son of God is so soon coming? Shall we strive to get to ourselves names great in the world, which shall perish in the day of wrath? Or shall we who are of the day lay up for ourselves treasures in Heaven where moth and rust doth not corrupt?
I thank God that he has shown me that the way to eternal life is in obeying all his commandments; and glory to his name, that he has enabled me to exercise true courage and obey his voice.
To my brethren and sisters in Lapeer Co., who have always manifested so great a desire that I should keep the Sabbath, I can truly say, that my heart is wholly with yours in living out the third angel's message, and that now it is my firm determination to consecrate my life fully to the work of the Lord—keep his statutes to the end.
Have we not all a work to do? Let us do it with our might. Let us awake and stand with the armor on, for the Bridegroom soon cometh. The signs of the times speak plainly the dawning of eternal day. We have no time to waste. The Judge of all standeth at the door. It is no time to seek honor and wealth.
Is it not rather a time to watch and be faithful lest another take our crown? Is it not rather a time to gird on the whole armor, and be found waiting?
May God prepare us all for that great day when Christ shall come, and may we so live that we can say, Lo, this is our God, and he will save us.
Let us work earnestly for the Lord, and our reward shall be “what eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive.”
BURTON S. BARNES.
Battle Creek, Mich.