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Present Advantages and Future Benefits, November 15
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy
that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is
set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
.
We should ever cherish feelings of gratitude to those who have shown
us favors in times of need. But these feelings that are so readily called into
exercise by the kindness and disinterestedness of our friends should respond to
the love and compassion of our benevolent heavenly Friend.... The friendship
expressed by nearest and dearest relatives and friends is so far surpassed by
the revelation of Jesus Christ that the former is dumb and expressionless
when compared with the latter. It is natural that the heart should entertain
sentiments of the warmest affection toward those who have done or suffered
something for us.
Let me lead you to the scene of the crucifixion and show you the Son
of God dying in your stead. Will not the spectacle of the cross of Christ
awaken every feeling of gratitude? Will it not sweep away the coldness and
indifference which steels the senses to the great sacrifice made in our behalf?
...
Satan, the adversary of souls, is constantly at work with his devices and
enchantments, stealing away the senses and deadening the feelings to our
highest interest. To all the little matters of life the affections are given free
play, but in eternal interest the affections are trammeled, bound as by magical
cords....
There are so many who endure privation and pursue at considerable
sacrifice a course which promises advantages in the future. They forego
present comfort for a future inducement as an equivalent, but here Jesus
presents eternal life as the reward of obedience, and if paltry things of earthly
gain will be sacrificed for some future good, how much more should ease,
pleasure, and present worldly advantages be sacrificed for the incomparable
riches and glory of the future immortal life. Let not the sorcery of earthly
enchantments steal the affections from God and harden the heart to eternal
interest. Look at the things that are unseen. Enshrine Jesus in the heart. Love
Him with your whole soul.—
Letter 15a, November 15, 1871
, to Edson and
Emma White. Edson was 22 and Emma was 23.
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