A Call of the Eleventh Hour by F. E. Fairchild

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 18, 1908

A Call of the Eleventh Hour

By F. E. Fairchild

F. E. FAIRCHILD

“Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begins at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 1 Peter 4: 16-18.

This solemn text is confronting every Seventh-day Adventist in the world. Not only does it speak in thunder tones to the faithful minister, Bible worker, and canvasser, but to every one for whom the precious blood of Jesus was shed on Calvary’s cross. This scripture says that “if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God on this behalf.” Now, the faithful canvassers are certainly included in this class. And when persecution and sore trials come in like a

deluge to drive them from their post of duty, should they not stand as true as the needle to the pole, thanking God for the “light affliction, which . . . worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”? It is clear, from a study of the foregoing texts, that every worker will be brought into judgment, and will have to give an account for each misspent opportunity, and for unimproved talents.

I tremble when I think of these things, and my soul cries out, “O God, have mercy on me a sinner!” If those who obey the call to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, are brought into judgment for neglected opportunities and unimproved talents, how will it fare with those whom the Lord has long been calling to take up the work of circulating our literature?

How many there are to-day who are saying, “Suffer me first to go and bury my father,” which may mean, Let me stay at home and take care of father and mother as long as they live, and then I will obey the Lord’s call. To be sure it is a God-given duty, and should ever be our cherished privilege, tenderly to care for those who cared for us during our infancy, childhood, and youth; but we should not, for an excuse for not following our Lord and Master, say “Suffer me first to go and bury my father.”

How many there are, who, when a call comes to enter the Lord’s service, begin with one accord to make excuses, which are of no more worth than was the man’s who had married a wife, and therefore could not come.

My prayer to God is that he may help us to redeem the time, for the days are evil. Soon the work will be finished, the sheaves will all be gathered, the stars will all be set in the crowns, and the Lord of glory will come in the clouds of heaven. How good it will be then to hear the “Welcome” and the “Well done,” said unto us; and to enter with our dear Saviour through the gates of the city of God, to dwell with sinless beings throughout eternity. Bozeman, Mont.