p. 5 | A Word to Professors by S. A. SANTER

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 11, 1866

A Word to Professors.

By S. A. SANTER

WHAT is the state of the church at the present time? Is it all awake to the times in which we are living? Are we trying by our conversation and holy living to set an example before the world, that they may know assuredly that we are expecting and earnestly longing for the appearing of our Lord and Saviour? Is this the position we occupy? Or, are we asleep as it were? Are we not getting too much entangled in worldly affairs? I fear that this is our state. We feel that we are rich and increased in goods and have need of nothing. How have the professed Christians of these last days grown cold, and how have we, as a church, become lukewarm. We know that we have the truth and that it is all-powerful, for nothing can be brought to bear against it that can overthrow it. With these convictions too many of us have become boastful, and have neglected heart-work.

When the message first arose and when we first received it, with what zeal we labored in the service of our Master. How we loved it and enjoyed meeting with those of like precious faith. The Spirit of God was with us. But there has been a decline; we have substituted theory for practice. Let us hear the counsel of the faithful and true Witness. “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 spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing, and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked; I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, . . . and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” The love of God is still extended to us. “As many as I love I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore and repent.” He has rebuked and chastened us on account of our pride and lukewarmness. When our ministers were prostrated by disease, and the earnest prayers of God's children were offered in their behalf, how signally they were answered. Should our fasting and praying cease here? Is there not a great work yet to be accomplished? Oh let us take warning and get humble in the sight of God.

We are indeed living in a time when Satan is seeking to hold God's people in a state of inactivity. It is truly alarming to think that we are quietly submitting to his influence when we have so many warnings to flee from the wrath to come. God's servants are crying as of old, “Prepare to meet thy God.” The day of the Lord is at hand. The signs that precede the Saviour's coming are fulfilled. Soon he will come to reward the righteous, and “to take vengeance on them that know not God and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Let each one of us ask ourselves the question, Am I prepared to meet him in peace? There must be an individual work in getting ready for that event. A mere profession will profit us nothing. It must be in the heart, and shine out in our lives. There must be an awakening among Christ's professed followers. It seems that we are waiting a compelling power from God to arouse us. But if this is what we expect we will have to wait in vain. There must be a zeal manifested on our part. Truly the remnant people of God should come up on higher ground. While we remain in a lukewarm condition we are stumbling blocks to sinners, and a reproach to God's holy truth.

May we be enabled to ascertain our true condition, have on the whole armor of God, and finally gain an entrance into the holy city.

S. A. SANTER.

Gridley, Ill.