God’s Call to Us by M. DORMAN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jan 28, 1915

God’s Call to Us

By M. DORMAN

(Concluded)

M. DORMAN

“WE are living in the time of the end. The fast fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and important. . . . The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.”

“In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light bearers. To them has been intrusted the last warning for a perishing world. On them is shining the wonderful light from the Word of God. They have been given a work of the most solemn import,—the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages. There is no other work of so great importance. They are to allow nothing else to absorb their attention. . . . The world is to be warned, and God’s people are to be true to the trust committed to them. . . . Christ says of his people, ‘Ye are the light of the world.’ Matt. 5:14. . . . So far as his opportunities extend, every one who has received the light of truth is under the same responsibility as was the prophet of Israel to whom came the word, ‘Son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.’ Eze. 33:7-9.

“Are we to wait until the fulfillment of the prophecies of the end before we say anything concerning them? Of what value will our words be then? . . . In clear, distinct rays, light has come to us showing us that the great day of the Lord is near at hand, ‘even at the door.’”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, pages 11, 19, 20. The time has come when the message of Christ’s soon coming is to sound throughout the world.

Not only have we reached a crisis in the history of the world, but a crisis in our own lives as well. The way in which we relate ourselves to this message will determine largely our eternal destiny.

We are now in the shaking, the sifting time. In speaking of this time God’s servant says: “I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this is what will cause a shaking among God’s people.”—“Early Writings,” page 270. The straight testimony of the True Witness to the Laodiceans is: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” “I saw that the testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance; all who truly receive it will obey it, and be purified.”—Ib.

It is with God’s army today as it was with Gideon’s army of old. All whose hearts are not hot and burning for the fray will be sifted out. Thousands will disappear from the ranks, but with the tested remnant a mighty work is to be accomplished.

“We are on the very verge of the time of trouble, and perplexities that are scarcely dreamed of are before us. A power from beneath is leading men to war against Heaven. Human beings have confederated with satanic agencies to make void the law of God. . . . In the broad way that leads to eternal ruin there walks a long procession. The world, filled with violence, reveling, and drunkenness, is converting the church. . . . At this time, a time of overwhelming iniquity, a new life coming from the Source of all life is to take possession of those who have the love of God in their hearts, and they are to go forth to proclaim with power the message of a crucified and risen Saviour.” “In visions of the night representations passed before me of a great reformatory movement among God’s people. Many were praising God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the great day of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families and opening before them the Word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On every side doors were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be lightened with the heavenly influence. Great blessings were received by the true and humble people of God. I heard voices of thanksgiving and praise, and there seemed to be a reformation such as we witnessed in 1844.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, pages 43, 44, 126. Will you be one of the sifted band who will be privileged to see the accomplishment of this work?

O careless, heedless, slumb’ring one, Arouse thee! Gird thine armor on! I charge thee: Stay not till the dawn Of heaven’s wondrous, perfect bloom Shall break the shadow of earth’s gloom. Arouse, a work awaits thee here! Thy Captain calls, “Take now thy spear.” Come! Angels wait; why tarry so? O, plunge into the thickest fray! The Master calls thee. Up, away!

The value of souls, the shortness of time, the greatness of the work before us, call, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.”