TO THE DESPONDING by James White

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 30, 1878

TO THE DESPONDING.

By James White

WE are aware that there are those who have long been Seventh-day Adventists that are now in a desponding state of mind. This despondency arises in most cases from serious mistakes in the past, with some we may say sins, and with a few, actual crime.

Now we would not plead the mercy of the Lord to that degree as to give the impression that he is not a God of strict justice; but we would extol his mercy through Jesus Christ our Lord. All manner of sins find forgiveness with God excepting the sin against the Holy Ghost. In the days of the Saviour that sin was attributing the power of Christ in working miracles to Satan. These very trembling souls may have committed great sins, but not the sin; then there is pardon and sweet mercy in reserve for them. We exhort these to thoroughly repent before God, then cast themselves upon Jesus, who is all-powerful to save. Some of these were among the earliest to espouse the faith, and the most willing to sacrifice and work for the advancement of the cause. From some of these we have received means to spend in the cause. We have sat at their tables, have joined in their worship, and have seen many tokens of their sincerity. We expect yet to see them sitting at the feet of the dear Saviour, cherishing the happy, holy faith and hope of the gospel. Let these make one desperate effort to break away from Satan, and emerge into light. The blood of Christ is all-powerful to cleanse sins for which there is godly sorrow and forsaking. This is true repentance. Mercy, sweet mercy, is in store for such. God pity, bless, and save the desponding. JAMES WHITE.