Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
He who created the world, our Redeemer, our Saviour, bore it before you.
But what if you should have all the honor and the applause that the
world could give you, what then? Let disease take hold of your mortal
frames, can this honor and applause, and the praise of men relieve you of one
pang? Can it relieve you of one distress? Can it be of the least advantage to
you in healing you of your maladies? It cannot. But what does the Father
say? "I will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters saith
the Lord Almighty." He will connect you with himself, crown you with glory
and honor, immortality and eternal life. This honor, that you can seek for
with a surety of obtaining, will never perish. Do you seek gold, the riches of
this world? We read that the streets of the city are paved with pure gold, and
that the gates of the city are of gold set with pearls. The riches obtained here
may be consumed. There are many ways in which you may be robbed of
your earthly treasure. Christ says: "Lay up for yourselves treasures in
heaven." There no thief shall approach; no moth or rust shall corrupt. Thus,
if you lay up your treasures there, you will have an imperishable treasure
which you can be in no danger of losing.
And now I would say to these, my friends, I have the deepest interest
that you should give your hearts to God; that you may be strong in the cause
of serving him. You need him for your friend; he will be a friend, indeed.
You may come to your earthly friends with burdens; they may sympathize
with you, but cannot relieve you; but here is a friend to whom you may come
with your troubles and trials who is always ready not only to sympathize
with you, but to bear your burdens. He knows all the difficulties of the way,
for he has passed through them; and he is touched with the feelings of your
infirmities. This great High Priest, who is in the heavens, is pleading in you
behalf. He loves you; and when you come to him with your griefs, your
sorrows, and your troubles he will listen to you. He will hear your prayers,
and answer your petitions. When you pour out your heart before him, then
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