NO HEAVEN, NO HELL by M. J. COTTRELL

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 5, 1868

NO HEAVEN, NO HELL.

By M. J. COTTRELL

“I DON'T believe in any Heaven or hell, only what is on this earth.” What a chill these words sent through my very being! I fairly trembled as I realized that I was conversing with a man who had no fear of God before him. I was looking for a situation where I could be earning something, and this man wishing to engage some one, I listened to his statement of what he wanted a girl to do, until I saw that his business would require my attention on the Sabbath. Here I told him that I could not take the situation, as I observed the seventh day as the Sabbath, and therefore could not be in attendance on that day. “You are not a Jewess?” he slowly questioned. No, a Seventh-day Adventist. He then commenced arguing the subject, and I tried to stand my ground, as best I could, until he uttered the words which I have said made me realize that I was conversing with a man who had no fear of God before him. I thought to myself, Nothing would induce me to work for such a man; and interrupting him, as he seemed bound to convert me, I told him I must hasten as I was to meet my sister, and the time of appointment was nearly up; and bidding him good morning, I left the room, feeling grateful that I had an engagement by which I could free myself from his infidel presence. If I had not had an excuse, I think I should have said, Excuse me sir, I do not wish to converse with a man of your principles. I came near saying it, as it was. The very air I breathed seemed contaminated, and as I reached the open stairway leading to the street, I drew a long breath, and wished that I could tell all infidels how horrifying to every impulse of unperverted humanity, is the position they occupy. If they only knew, it does seem that they would denounce their soul-destroying unbelief.

But why should I feel thus? What is there in the sentence I have quoted to inspire such feelings of horror? I have been trying to analyze it.

First, “I DON'T believe in any Heaven.” I understand from this, not merely that the man does not believe in an abode of perfect happiness, righteousness and glory, but that he renounces the God of the Bible and all his requirements: that he is not governed by that great rule of love which is given to fit us for that home of purity, and that he ignores my beautiful hope of an eternal life of unalloyed bliss, beyond this dreary abode of suffering, toil, and sin.

Second, “Or hell.” This gives me to understand that he renounces the idea of future punishment, and consequently is not restrained by fear of a Judgment to come. He rejects my blessed Saviour, and scorns the precious blood of redemption. His selfish, unholy will, and wild, unbridled passions, are the only government he yields submission to. He fears not God, neither regards man.

Enough, enough! I need not pursue the subject further. These were, in substance, the thoughts which came to my mind as these words fell upon my ear. Do you wonder, reader, that I felt horrified to find myself in converse with a man who boldly, proudly, expressed such sentiments. Surely, God's judgments cannot tarry long, when insignificant man thus boldly scoffs at his existence and authority.

Reader, shall you and I have our portion with such scoffers, for want of accepting offered pardon? By not accepting, and openly professing our faith, we virtually reject, and by our actions count the blood of the covenant an unholy thing.

O sinner, delay no longer acceptance of a crucified and risen Saviour. Soon it will be forever too late. Heed, O heed, the warning, and come now to a Saviour's outstretched arms M. J. COTTRELL.