BY EMMA L. WENTWORTH.
“LET not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ To the weary, burdened soul, laden with the cares of life, how sweet and soothing are these words of the Master! They fall like balm upon the wounded spirit, and heal our broken hearts. They calm life’s troubled waters and bid its tumult cease. And oh! how infinitely kind and tender-hearted was that dear Being who uttered them. With his own cruel death just before him, he was not forgetful of his little band of lowly followers. He knew the fearful trials and manifold temptations so soon to come upon them, and he gave them the sweetest words of consolation that ever fell on mortal ears. He could there look down across the dreary stretch of years and see these times, and know that his people would need comforting words now if ever. The dear Lord is the same loving Jesus now that he was when he poured out his lifeblood on Calvary, crying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” He is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. His love for perishing man changes not. Those dear hands so often stretched forth in blessing to those ancients of the Eastern world, are just as ready to bless us now and administer to our many wants. Those same eyes that wept over Jerusalem’s future, watch our wandering footsteps all along the rugged road. When the way is dark and gloomy, and Satan is whispering doubts to our trembling souls, we should by faith firmly grasp the hand of our Saviour; for he has said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Al- though invisible to our mortal gaze, we know that his presence guides us on. Though reproached and slighted by our fellow beings for striving to follow the standard of truth, his loving words remain unchanged. Rolling down the dark tide of eighteen centuries, comes the cheering voice of that gracious promise, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” How it rings through the heart’s portal, and with heavenly power surges through every fiber of our being, giving new life and vigor to our drooping spirits.
Satan’s hosts may oft surround thee,
Yet look up; be not dismayed !
And “let not your heart be troubled,
Neither let it be afraid.”
Soon you’ll reach the heavenly Canaan,
In pure robes of white arrayed;
So “let not your heart be troubled,
Neither let it be afraid.”
The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald April 8, 1884