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Prayer Power, June 27
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count
slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should
perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9
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It is a marvel to me that God will bear with the perversity of the children
of men so long, bearing with their disobedience and yet suffering them to
live, abusing His mercies, bearing false witness against Him in most wicked
statements. But God’s ways are not as our ways, and we will not marvel at
His loving forbearance and tender pity and infinite compassion, for He has
given an unmistakable evidence that this is just like His character—slow to
anger, showing mercy unto thousands of those who love Him and keep His
commandments.
I am thankful indeed for the sweet peace I enjoy this morning. I rested
well last night and feel to rest my soul upon God this morning. He will not
leave me nor forsake me. He will be to me a very present help in time of
need....
Souls are perishing in their sins on every side. My soul is drawn out
after them. I long to arouse them from their stupor of death. Oh, how many
have never yet been warned, never heard the truth; while expostulations and
warnings and prayers fall upon the ears of others who pay no heed, but reject
privileges and opportunities which would be for their salvation if they would
profit by them. They seem ice-bound. But our own hearts must be warmed
with the divine fire; our own Christian efforts and our Christian example must
be earnest and powerful.
The obligations resting upon us are not small. Our sense of dependence
will drive us closer to God, and our sense of duty to be performed will
summon us to effort, combined with our earnest prayers—works, faith, and
continual prayer. Power! Power! Our great cry is for power without measure!
It awaits us. We have only to draw; to take God at His word; to act faith; to
stand firmly upon the promises; to wrestle for the endowment of the grace
of God. Learning is not essential; genius is not necessary; eloquence may
be lacking; but the prayer of the lowly and contrite heart God hears, and
when He hears no obstacles on earth can hinder. The power of God will
make us effectual.—
Letter 35, June 27, 1878
, to the president of the General
Conference, her husband.
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