OUR HOPE AND REFUGE by Mrs. R. P. Stuart.

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 6, 1880

OUR HOPE AND REFUGE.

By Mrs. R. P. Stuart.

If there is one thing for which the poor weary heart has reason to be especially thankful, it is the fact that we have not an High Priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but has in all things been tempted like as we are, and knows just how to succor the tempted, to strengthen the weak, and to comfort the desponding. His pitying hand is ever outstretched with blessings for such as will turn humbly and trustingly to him. To such as strive to subdue their carnal desires and to know and do His will, He giveth strength according to their day; and withholdeth no good thing from those who walk uprightly. The pilgrims way may be over deep morasses or flowery meads, through surging waters or by the singing brook, or up the rugged steep, yet the guiding hand ever goeth before, and happy is that heart which can always say, "He leadeth me."

"What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer."

It is the privilege of Christians to establish such close relationship with their friend and teacher, to have their heart so imbued with His Spirit that, as an obedient trusting child would rest in the arms of a wise and loving parent, and breathe out his griefs and heartaches upon that faithful breast, so they may rest in the arms of Jesus, and breathe to Him the cares and vexations which no earthly friend, however kind, can understand or alleviate. Nearer, my God, to thee, has been the Christian's prayer in all ages. But how much more earnest should be the cry down here amid the perils of the last days, when dangers are thickening around us; when earth's vain allurements are taking on every attractive garb to ensnare and win us away from the truth; when the enemy's wrath and power is greater in proportion to the little time he has to work. How close should be our walk with God. How necessary that we humble ourselves before Him and so relate ourselves to Him that in every temptation and trial we can say, "What a friend we have in Jesus." How imperative the demand that we understand fully the work that is progressing in the heavenly sanctuary, and realize that Jesus will soon, and forever, cease pleading, when the door of mercy will be closed against the impenitent, and he that is filthy will be filthy still. How earnest should be our cry for help. With what awfully solemn anxious fear should we plead that the Spirit of truth, which emanates from the holy sanctuary, may thoroughly convert our hearts that we may see wherein we lack, and strive earnestly to purify our souls while mercy lingers.

Dear Christian pilgrims, let us arouse and improve these precious moments remaining to us—every one more precious than the gold of Ophir. Let us work and pray earnestly for ourselves and each other, and for souls perishing around us. Jesus is our friend, and advocate with the father. Through him we may have grace and strength to resist all the fiery darts of the adversary, and go clear through with God's remnant people. It will more than compensate for all griefs and heartaches here, all trials and burdens by the way, to be permitted to share with the ransomed of the Lord when they shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads.

Mrs. R. P. Stuart. Madison, Dakota.