GLIMPSES OF THE WAY by Mary L. Williams

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, May 20, 1880

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 55, No. 21

GLIMPSES OF THE WAY.

By Mary L. Williams

BY MARY L. WILLIAMS.

The shadows of the past often mingle with the gray dawnings of the future. We see it all—our past life unfolds before our mental vision. Every step of the way, however rough and thorny, is marked by the goodness and mercy of His hand who chastens but in love. Every disappointment brings us nearer and nearer to the Good Shepherd, who gently folds the tender lambs in his bosom. Every sorrow should strengthen our faith; every trial should brighten our hope; every affliction should increase and intensify our love. As we look back upon the path we have trod, we see that the Angel of the Covenant has ever hovered over us, sealing unto us the “sure mercies of David,” the promises of God to his people. We have often groped our way in darkness, it is true; but when we have returned unto the Lord, he has again revealed unto us the brightness of his most excellent glory, and we have been led to exclaim with David, “Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth;” therefore, “I will be glad and rejoice in thee; I will sing praise to thy name, O thou Most High.”

Why do we cling to earthly things, when there is a brighter land so near that we can almost see its shores? Glimpses of its glories are beckoning us on; its flowers fade not, and its songs of rejoicing are never exchanged for notes of woe. Partings and sad farewells, which here wring our hearts with keenest anguish, are unknown there; sighing is heard no more, and tears forever cease to flow. Hallowed land! thy beauties have won my heart; and I long for the time to come when my weary feet shall stand upon the streets of thy beautiful city, and my tongue shall join the glad anthems which ever employ thy blessed inhabitants.

Let us hope on; this life of trial will soon give place to one of eternal blessedness. When the dark waves of sorrow gather around us, and threaten to overflow every bright spot upon our lone way, there is an Ark of Safety in which we may securely rest. When even those who are nearest and dearest turn from us, led aside by self-interest or evil influences, One will ever be true, and his name is Emmanuel. The home which he will prepare for his faithful followers, shall know no night. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”