SOME CURIOUS FACTS by J. S. Miller

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, February 24, 1885

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 62, No. 8

SOME CURIOUS FACTS.

By J. S. Miller

BY J. S. MILLER.

It is a singular fact that those who cherish the most lively hope of enjoying an eternal existence are the very ones who place the highest value upon time, and are striving to the utmost of their ability to make the most of the brief period allowed us for work in this mortal state. It is equally remarkable that those who cherish no hope of a life beyond this are the most prodigal of time.

When a person who depends for a living on the labor of his hands decides to obey God and keep his Sabbath, the fact stares him in the face that he will thereby be cut off from a large share of the useful and honorable occupations on which those of his class depend. This is usually a source of great trial to such persons when they first see their duty in this direction. Again,—and it may seem anomalous—the fact is that, as a rule, the Sabbath-keepers have more work on their hands than they can do justice to, even with the most diligent application and the strictest economy of time. Then, too,—and it also may seem strange,—while nearly all who embrace this message are among the poor of this world, there is no people on earth so exempt from real destitution.

But all these seeming contradictions become reconciled when we take into account the fact that all the principles of the gospel are of a redeeming nature; and the moment a person begins in earnest to serve God he has laid hold on an inexhaustible source of wisdom and strength. Truly, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” “Trust in the Lord and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” Moosup, Ct.